Algebra I
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Taxes & Tips
Posted on Oct 23, 2008
Topic: Linear Equations
In this activity, students will increase their understanding of the use of the formula T = r * p, which is encountered both in the real world and in the typical Algebra 1 class. They will calculate the amount of taxes and tips exactly, then use estimation.
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Activity Key Steps:
In this activity, students will explore the taxes and tips percentages commonly used in stores and restaurants. They will first develop the pattern of converting a percent to a decimal.
Then students will use the dynamic tax equation model to calculate the tax on several items given in a spreadsheet. They will compare the difference of calculating the taxes on individual items, then summing to the calculating the sum of the item prices multiplied by the tax rate.
Students will finally use mental math estimation to calculate 15% or 20% of a restaurant bill or calculate the tax on a high priced item. They will compare their estimation to the actual answer.