Education Technology


Constants

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