Activity Overview
Students use the calculator to determine the amount of money that will accumulate in a savings account, if every month a certain sum is deposited in the account. They explore the use of the constant function key on the calculator to make repeated additions.
Before the Activity
Set up the calculator as explained in the appendix file
See the attached activity PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print the pages from the attached activity PDF file for the class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
On the calculator, enter as a constant, the operation of addition and the amount deposited every month
Note the first entry represents the first deposit for the first month
Press the constant key to repeat the process of adding the monthly deposit and find the amount accumulated in the savings account after two months
Observe that the accumulated amount and the amount added in each step is displayed on the screen
Find the balance that will accumulate after different time periods, by using the constant key
After the Activity
Students answer questions.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary