Road Trip

Driving Question: How much money would you need for a road trip?

INTRODUCTION

Any of us can appreciate a nice trip to get away, and for those who have an enthusiastic appeal for it know that planning is vital to a decent trip experience. The goal for this activity is to create a plan for a road trip based on real-time distance, car mileage, and commodity prices.This project incorporates algebraic math and critical planning and observation skills that allows to student to practice thinking ahead while refining his mathematical understanding.

Pictures:

Materials:

  • US Map

  • Tri-Fold

Main Idea:How much money would you need for a road trip from Los Angelos, California, to New York, New York.

Concepts: The average of gas prices, hotel prices, and food prices in each city.

The average is what the price in each city is about.

Quantities/units:

  • Dollars

  • Miles per gallon(mpg)

  • Days

  • Gallons

SAFETY REGULATIONS

There are no safety concerns in this demonstration.

PBL INVESTIGATION

Kenneth Nguyen

HSA-Grand Prairie

1. What was the most complicated calculation you had to do? Explain why.

The most complicated calculations I had to do was accounting for unexpected challenges along the way. I had to add various expenses that one would deal with in a trip across the country. I added expenses such as snacks, varying gas prices, and various items like toothpaste.

2. How did you use equations?

Many equations were making averages for the most commonly used items. I was able to find certain deals that would allow a flat rate with gas prices, and hotels offer programs that are consistent at any branch. These allowed me to form equations such as “69.99x=H” Where H would equal the cost for staying at a hotel, and x would represent how many nights I would be spending collectively.

3. What would be the dependent and independent variables in this project? Why?

The independent variables of this project would be the price of items, and the route that would be taken. The dependent variable would be the distance to the final destination, and the total price for the trip.

4. How can Algebra be used in everyday life to solve complicated situations? Explain.

Algebra is ever present in our daily life. One example is the bills that we pay for, such as electricity or water. Many companies charge per unit, when you buy electricity normally you pay per kilowatts. This allows an equation to be created, such as “.33*x=C) Where the total cost is equal to C.

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