Math skills

Welcome to the chapter where we discover that math is actually a superpower. Instead of shooting lasers, this power prevents you from being "broke" by the second week of the month. Let’s dive in!

1. How to Make a Simple Budget

A budget is just a treasure map where the treasure is your money, and the map shows exactly where it's going. Use the golden formula:

Income - Expenses = Balance

• Income: Pocket money, birthday cash, or that 5€ you found in your old jeans.

• Expenses: Cinema, snacks, or skins for your favorite game.

• Pro-tip: If your balance is negative, you aren’t a math fail—you’re just living like a billionaire on a student budget. Time to cut back!

2. How to Save Money Every Month

Saving isn't about "not having fun"; it’s about paying your Future Self. Try the 10% Rule:

If you get 20€, save 2€ immediately. By the end of the year:

20€ x 0.1 x 12 months = 24€

It might seem small, but that’s a new game or a concert ticket you didn't have before!

3. How to Calculate Prices While Shopping

Don't let bright red "SALE" signs confuse you. Use rounding to stay ahead:

If an item is 14.95€, treat it as 15€. If you want three, that's 45€. If you only have 40€ in your pocket, put one back discretely before you reach the cashier.

4. How to Use Math in Daily Life

Math is everywhere, even when you aren't looking for it:

• In the Kitchen: If a recipe is for 4 people but you have 6 friends over, you need to multiply every ingredient by 1.5.

• In Sports: Calculating your average goals, your running pace, or how many points your team needs to win the league.

5. How to Plan a Trip with Basic Math

Planning a trip requires more than just a suitcase. You need to calculate:

• Time: $\text{Time} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Speed}}$

• Total Budget: $\text{Transport} + \text{Food} + \text{Activities}$.

• Splitting the Bill: Dividing the pizza cost between 5 friends without losing a single cent (or a friend).

6. How to Compare Prices and Choose the Best One

Is it better to buy a 3-pack of socks for 5.50€ or a 5-pack for 8.50€?

Find the Unit Price:

$$\frac{\text{Price}}{\text{Units}} = \text{Unit Price}$$

• Pack A: $5.50 / 3 \approx 1.83€$ per pair.

• Pack B: $8.50 / 5 = 1.70€$ per pair.
  The Winner: Pack B. Use those 13 cents for... well, maybe a very small candy.

7. How to Count Expenses at School

Beware of the "Ant Expenses"—small daily spends that eat your budget:

$$1.50€ \text{ (daily snack)} \times 5 \text{ days} \times 4 \text{ weeks} = 30€ \text{ a month.}$$

That is 360€ a year! Bringing a sandwich from home could buy you a new phone.

8. How to Use Percentages in Simple Situations

Percentages are the language of shops. If you see 25% off on a 20€ shirt:

1. Find 25%: $20 \times 0.25 = 5€$.

2. Subtract: $20 - 5 = 15€$.
   Shortcut: Just multiply the price by $0.75$ to see what you actually have to pay!

9. How to Manage Pocket Money

Managing money is about priorities. Use the Three-Envelope System:

1. Needs: Stuff you must pay for (bus pass, phone credit).

2. Wants: Fun stuff (hanging out, hobbies).

3. Future: Big goals (saving for a trip or a new computer).

10. How to Solve Daily Problems with Math

Solving problems isn't just about formulas; it’s about a logical process:

1. Identify the Data: What do I know?

2. Identify the Goal: What do I need to find?

3. Choose the Operation: Addition, percentage, or division?

4. The Reality Check: Does the answer make sense? (If a gum costs 500€ after your calculation, try again!).