ALGEBRA 1: You are now required to pay your own cell-phone bill. As a smart consumer, you want to choose the most cost-effective plan based on your current cell phone usage by comparing plans from at least 3 cell phone providers. The number of text messages and minutes are used to determine the cost of each plan per month. Log the cumulative number of calling minutes and text messages on the spreadsheet provided for 15 days. Predict the total number of minutes and text messages you will use for a 30 day period (month). Support your prediction using an algebraic model. How reliable is your prediction? Research, compare, and analyze the cost of 3 different phone companies and their related charges for wireless service. Using your data collection and analysis, identify the company which will provide you with the best and most cost-effective wireless service for your needs. Based on your calling habits, which is the best calling plan for you and why?
DATABASE: EbscoHost- Kiplinger's Personal Finance
ALGEBRA 2: An iPad Present
You want to convince your parents to buy you Apple’s new generation iPad. However, your parents argue that Apple releases new generations so frequently, it would be a massive waste of money to buy the latest model. In fact, most gadgets depreciate exponentially. BUT WAIT! Your parents have decided to make a deal with you. If you can mathematically prove that the new iPad will be worth at least $200 in five years, they will buy you one. You are to write a report to present to your parents to prove the new iPad will be worth at least $200 in five years. In your report please include the following:
I. Research – cost of original iPad and cost of latest generation iPad
DATABASE: Gale- Student Resources in Context - USA Today
CONSUMER MATH:
“Financial Times” is a quarterly financial newsletter that is looking for writers and publishers. The goal of their next issue is to aid its readers in making informed financial decisions. As part of the application process, potential writers and publishers are to prepare an edition of the newsletter. The applicant with the best newsletter gets the job! As per the focus for the next issue, the newsletter should contain articles that address considerations to be made in the following areas: purchasing an automobile, planning a vacation, getting a home mortgage, signing a contract and choosing an insurance policy (auto or home). At least one of the articles must include perspectives from each party involved. (Ex: The article on purchasing a car would include perspectives of the buyer, salesperson and lending institution.)
DATABASE: EbscoHost- Business Source Elite- Money Magazine