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INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCE: Algebra Application: Why Are Receipts So Long?

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCE: Algebra Application: Why Are Receipts So Long?

In this Algebra Application, students gather data to study the lengths of paper receipts. They also learn to estimate the total number of receipts produced worldwide using industry data. From this they can study the environmental impact of having to produce so many paper receipts. The math topics covered include: Measures of central tendency (specifically the mean), Scientific notation, Rates, Converting different units. The culminating activity is for students to make a persuasive case to retailers about finding alternatives to paper receipts, using the data they gathered and analyzed. This is a great back-to-school activity for middle school or high school students. A relevant real-world application allows them to review math concepts.

This is part of a collection of real world applications of algebra presented in GoogleDoc form. To see the complete collection of these resources, click on this link.

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Common Core Standards CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.3, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.2, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.3
Grade Range 6 - 8
Curriculum Nodes Algebra
    • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
        • Laws of Exponents
    • Probability and Data Analysis
        • Data Analysis
Copyright Year 2021
Keywords mean, the receipt problem, scientific notation, dimensional analysis