I can predict the future.  Through this project, we have answered the driving question; “ How can we predict our finances for the future?”  To answer this question,  we were going to sell a product or service, using linear equations and graphs, and calculate our earnings for a year.

 

The first milestone was to choose a product or service to sell.  I handed in three options of something I was interested in selling:  cookies, bracelets and babysitting.  Out of the three choices, I decided to  babysit.  I then created a spreadsheet that showed my expenses, time, start-up costs and effect on the environment for one five-hour babysitting job.

 

Using the spreadsheet and the knowledge I gained through the workbooks, I created a linear equation that would predict my earnings for any amount of time.  Using that equation, I was able to use the Desmos website to graph my earnings for not only the next year but also how much I would make in a day, week, month and in my life.  I found out that I would make more if I did a minimum wage job or was a part time teacher.

I then put all this knowledge together into an animated keynote video.  At the end of the video, I compared my job to other jobs as well as to the cost of living and the effect on the environment to see if it would be worth my time.

 

Curricular Competencies

 

Understanding and solving:  Apply multiple strategies to solve problems in both abstract and contextualized situations.  

In my spreadsheet, I accounted for all of the time, materials and equipment, and included that in my overall cost.  I also calculated the effect of the environment from the exhaust from the car that I used to get to the babysitting site.  I believe I showed an accomplished and detailed documentation showing my understanding of this curricular competency.

 

Communicating and Representing:  Represent mathematical ideas in concrete, pictorial and 

symbolic form.

I believe I showed an understanding of this curricular competency.  I made a linear equation that properly determines my profit for various amounts of time.  Then using this equation I was able to create seven graphs that showed those earnings over time.  In my final video, these graphs were labeled and explained in a logical way.

 

Connecting and Reflecting:  Connect mathematical concepts to each other and to other areas

and personal interests.

I was able to connect mathematical concepts to a business that is of personal interest to me.  I compared my business to a minimum wage job and to my mother’s part time teaching position.

I also considered the cost of living and the value of my time, along with the sustainability on the environment to decide whether the job is worth it.  In the end, I decided that I would not be able to live in Vancouver with the amount I earned and it would be better to think about another possible career.  The only thing I would have done differently is consider different levels of jobs.