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Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications

Product ID: TechMAP
Supplementary Print
High School

TechMAP - Formulas for Success - Teachers Edition

Author: Gary Froelich


This module is a review of basic algebra in the context of formulas from a variety of areas, including landscaping, cosmetology, and plumbing. Among the algebra concepts are evaluating expressions, commutative, associative, and distributive properties, and solving linear equations. A supplemental section features 29 related problems from various state high school mathematics exams. Connections to spreadsheets are included.

Introduction

Do you think you will ever use algebra?

Many people don't think they will, but they end up being wrong.

Lots of people use algebra. Some of them use it without realizing it.

Sometimes people use algebra when they use computer spreadsheets. To use aspreadsheet, you must know something about how variables and formulas work.

That's what algebra is about: variables and formulas.



TechMAP

Covering topics from Algebra I to Precalculus, TechMAP modules show high school students real, immediate uses for mathematics.

All students MUST PASS the same standardized tests in order to graduate and succeed. All 22 TechMAP modules show tangible, real-world applications of the material on these exams, driving home required math skills.

The mathematics required by state tests is taught in algebra and geometry courses, but for many students this is not enough. TechMAP modules demonstrate these skills in vocational fields; they help reinforce existing mathematics courses through actual career activities. These modules are self-contained with exercises, teacher notes, handouts, etc., and can be used individually or together. Each module takes one to three weeks of classroom time.

  • A builder finds the slope of a roof the same way an
    algebra student finds the slope of a line.
  • A farmer selling her wheat must decide between several
    grain elevators in different locations. She uses conic
    sections and parameters on elementary models to make
    her decision.
  • An exploration into the packaging industry reveals area
    formulas.
  • GPS devices are everywhere today, and our module
    explains how they actually work; students become well-versed
    in spherical geometry, time differences, and codes.
  • Carpenters work with shapes and relationships every
    day, and in our modules we explore circle relationships,
    differential equations, linear regression, and more.
©2005 by COMAP, Inc.
TechMAP
40 pages

Mathematics Topics:

Pre-Algebra , Algebra , Evaluating Expressions, Simplifying Expressions, Solving Linear Equations

Application Areas:

Business & Economics , Various

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Related Resources

TechMAP - Formulas for Success - Student Edition

This module is a review of basic algebra in the context of formulas from a variety of areas, including landscaping, c...