Pre-Algebra Tutorial
Plan a trip
Intro
This is a practical exercise to improve math skills and get students to think about applying math to problems they will encounter in life.
Sample Problem
You just bought your first car and want to visit your girlfriend who lives 50 miles away. You were paid from your part-time job and have 30 dollars. Your car gets 30 miles per gallon. Gas costs $2.20/gal. You also want to treat your girlfriend to a movie for $7.50 and lunch at McDonald’s for $6.25. Do you have enough money?
Solution
Total miles: (2 x 50) = 100 miles
miles/gallon:30 miles
total gallons needed: 100 miles divided by 30/mpg=3.3 gallons
cost of gas: 3.3 gallons x $2.20=$7.26
cost of movie: (2 x 7.50)=$15
cost of lunch: (2 x 6.25)=$12.50
Total cost of trip: ($7.26+$15+$12.50)=$34.76
Answer: You’d better come up with another 5 bucks.
Extra credit: What should you always bring with you?
Answer: An empty gas canister.
About The Author
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