Activity Detail
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Activity Overview

Students will calculate a series of discounts using increasing unit fractions.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 52 - 57 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • Understand the concept of discount price

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:
  • Use the two different original prices and the fraction marked off to determine the sale price and thus the better buy


  • Record the beginning price for one piece of the furniture
  • Find the reduced prices of the piece of furniture using different discount patterns
  • Calculate the fraction amount and dollar amount of the price reduction each week
  • Determine the number of weeks before the price is about half of the original price for each of the three discount patterns
  • Decide on the best discount pattern
  • Create a chart with the calculations

    		After the Activity

    		Students share the charts they created.

  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss the similarities and differences between the charts and the calculation method
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




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    Subject Area:
    Math : Middle Grades Math : Algebraic Thinking
    Math : PreAlgebra : Number Sense and Operations
    Math : Middle Grades Math : Problem Solving
    Math : Middle Grades Math : Number Sense

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-15 Explorer™

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 8 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Developing Problem-Solving Skills with the TI-15

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Chart paper
  • Markers


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