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Narayanswamy - Consumer Math (Section Mon 6)

Instructor
Mrs. Usha Narayanswamy
Department
Mathematics
Terms
2019-2020 School Year


Assignment Calendar

Course Description

 

Class Title:

Consumer Math

Code:

MMA170

Text:

Various Resources

Rating:

1

Prerequisite:

Completion of 5th-grade math or higher

Grade:

6­-8

Fees:

None

Max:

15

Can be repeated? Yes

Description: This course will provide students with the essential financial knowledge they need to manage their money. Students will learn basic money counting skills, percentages, saving, money sense (how far your money will go) and work as a class to run a school store. Through running the school store, students will learn to manage inventory, set marketable prices, and provide great customer service. Profits from the school store are given to a charity chosen by the students in the class.

Posts

Week 17 of Classes: Monday, Jan 13

Dear APEX Families,
 
Happy New Year!
 
It was so wonderful to see your students after the winter break today! I am excited for this winter semester. I hope it is filled with a joy to learn and grit to work hard and persevere if the going gets hard. APEX teachers are here to go on this educational journey with you and help you succeed!
 
Students in all the academic math classes took home a sheet of class expectations, policies and reminders. There is nothing in new on this sheet, just reminders of how the class works. Parents and students, please take the time to read and discuss the policies and expectations and sign and date the sheet. It is due next week.
 
Note: School store will be open next week for business! Please come and shop with us :-)
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We reviewed solving simple rational equations and learned to solve more complex equations involving several fractional expressions.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We went over some of the problems in last semester's final exam. In addition, students learned to solve right triangles using Trig and Pythagorean Theorem. They were introduced to two special right triangles, namely, 45-45-90 deg triangles and 30-60-90 deg triangles. 
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: We reviewed integer addition and subtraction extensively before learning the rules for integer multiplication and division. Integers were introduced in simple one-step algebraic equations.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students learned to write checks, enter transactions in check registers and reconcile transaction registers.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post). Hard copy sent home.
 
Problem of the Week #13: It's a new year! Enjoy solving some 2020 puzzles this week from MathCounts!
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 15 of Classes: Monday, Dec 16

Hello APEX students and families,
 
We had a short day of classes today. Students had a good time enjoying the holiday party and end of semester performances. Pre-algebra students, you have a week's worth of homework during the break. Complete it soon and then you can relax and enjoy the rest of your break. 
 
Here's a summary of classes for today:
 
Pre-algebra: We continued our unit on integers. Students shared a few real-world examples of when negative numbers are used. We learned rules to add, and subtract integers.
 
Homework : Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We played jeopardy about taxes, discounts, interests, consumer math vocab!
 
Homework: None (unless you have promised to send me homework that was due today!)
 
Enjoy the holidays and I will see you in January! Happy holidays and a Wonderful New Year!!
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy
 
 
 

Week 15 of Classes: Monday, Dec 9

Hello APEX families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We learned to solve a few rational equations with x's in the denominator.
 
Remember to bring your 3"x5" notecard on Wednesday to take your finals. Also, remember to bring the last homework for this semester! Please be on time so you get the entire period to complete your finals. Bring sharpened pencils. Blank papers and calculators will be provided.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We started a new chapter on trigonometry. Students learned the 6 basic trig ratios, namely sin, cos, tan, cot, csc, and sec. We solved a few problems related to these ratios.
 
Remember to bring your 3"x5" notecard on Wednesday to take your finals. Also, remember to bring the last homework for this semester! Please be on time so you get the entire period to complete your finals. Bring sharpened pencils and your graphing calculator. Blank papers and calculators (if you didn't bring yours) will be provided.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students learned the alternate symbols to multiplication and division. We solved algebraic equations with these operations the algebra way. Students learned to solve percent and distance problems algebraically. We started a new chapter on integers and briefly talked about what negative are.
 
Homework and Final Exam: Assigned (see the homework post. Parents, please read the notes for you regarding the finals. Thanks!)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students did a great job selling items at the school store during lunch. In class, we did the accounting. Then, we reviewed simple interest and compound interest and how the latter is a much better option for consumers saving money compared to the former.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post). Hard copy sent home.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to Puzzle Of The Week #12

Hello Apex Students,
 
The solution to the 12th puzzle is attached. Unfortunately no one got the solution right. We will try a few other statistical puzzles next year to get a chance to explore this area of math more.
 
Students who submitted a solution, good job trying! Please stop by for a treat :-)
 
Have a great weekend!
 
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 14 of Classes: Monday Dec 2

Hello APEX families,
 
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and got some time to relax and rejuvenate!
 
We are now in the last leg of this semester and very busy completing content in several subject areas.
 
Please note that next week our school store will be open during lunch break. So, please remember to bring some money if you would like to shop with us.
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We reviewed fractional expressions and then learned to multiply and divide them.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We wrapped up our unit on power functions by solving power equations and considering practical applications of such functions in science. Students also learned the concept of direct and inverse variations.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: We discussed the difference between algebra ad arithmetic and learned to write simple algebraic equations for word problems. Student learned two important concepts in algebra - the process of undoing a number by using inverse operations and the Golden Rule of Algebra. 
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We reviewed simple interest. Students watched 4 short videos about important concepts in saving money. Students learned about compound interest and how it is better at making our money grow than simple interest.
 
Homework: None
 
Puzzle Of The Week: We are taking a break from solving puzzles as all secondary math classes are getting busy preparing for final exams next week. Look forward to solving more puzzles in the new year!
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 13 of Classes: Monday, Nov 18

Hello All,
 
Please note that there are no classes next week. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break!
 
All pending work and test corrections should be submitted the week you return (Dec 2-6). No late work will be accepted past that.
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We learned to simplify some simple rational expressions with x's. 
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We started a new chapter on radical and power functions. We talked about radical functions and solved a few radical equations. We started discussing power functions and will continue the discussion on Wednesday.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Student took the 9s multiplication facts quiz. We wrapped up the chapter on areas and volumes by discussing units for measuring areas and volumes and liquid capacities such as square meters, cubic yards, gallons and quarts and units for volume in the metric system such as liters.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students did a great job of setting up the school store and having a successful 1/2 hr of selling different items during lunch. Good work all! We did the accounting for the store during class time. We decided what changes to make for next time the store is set up. We then talked about types of household expenses and how to classify them. We also started talking about saving money in banks and the concept of interest. 
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 12th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due in 2 weeks. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted on Friday.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to Puzzle Of The Week #10

Hello Apex Students,
 
Here are the solutions to last week's Hashiwokakeros (Bridges puzzles). The following students attempted at least one of the three puzzles:
 
Jake LaCrosse
Nico Stone
Boston Renaud
Kian Stone
Cole Sulouff
Virginia Fuller
Owen Weekley
 
Virginia and Owen attempted and successfully solved all three puzzles. Good work!!  Virginia was the lucky winner of this week's raffle!! Congratulations :-)
 
Virginia, stop by for a prize next week. Everyone else, please come by to get a treat!
 
Have a wonderful weekend! See you all next week :-)
 
Mrs. Narayanswamy
 

Week 12 of Classes: Monday, Nov 11

Hello APEX families!
 
We had a shortened day of classes due weather.
 
All students, please note, that our very own Monday school store, Little Market, is opening next week during middle school recess (and Elementary grades lunch) in the Commons area. We will be selling candy of all kinds, drinks such as Izze and Ice, variety of chips, and some baked goods. School store will be open once this month and once in Dec and starting January, it will be set up every alternate week. Bring some money to buy your favorite goodies and support our school store!! All profits from the store will be donated to a charity at the end of the school year :-)
 
Here's a summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We solved a couple of mixture problems. Students learned shortcuts to undo fractions (by multiplying by their reciprocals) and move terms from one side to another (change sides, change sign) in algebraic equations. In addition, students learned about two unusual types of equations - false equations that have no solutions and identities that have infinite solutions.
 
NOTE: Please make sure to study for your in-class quiz on Wed. Chapters 3 through 5 will be covered.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We discussed the wonderful irrational number, Euler or e, in exponential equations.
 
NOTE: Please make sure to study for your in-class quiz on Wed. Chapters 1 through 3 will be covered.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Student took the 8s multiplication facts quiz. We continued our discussion of unit systems by discussing conversion factors between units in metric system and those in the US customary system. We did several problems converting units from one system to the other. We also discussed units for area in English system and how to convert from one to the other.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Next week is our opening day of school store! Students were assigned jobs, we discussed how the system will work and we decided on prices for each item to be sold. In addition, students learned about different kinds of expenses a family might have and we classified them as Fixed, Variable, Discretionary. We also talked about the concept of opportunity cost.
 
Homework: None
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 11th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due next Monday. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted on Friday.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to Puzzle Of The Week #9

Hey Problem Solvers,
 
The 9th puzzle was quite a tough morse code deciphering problem. Check the attached file to find the solution!
 
No student submitted a solution to the problem. But there are more puzzles to solve! Hope you are all trying this week's Hashiwokakeros (the Bridges puzzles).
 
Catch ya next week!
 
Mrs. N

Week 11 of Classes: Monday, Nov 4

Hello APEX families!
 
We are into November now - can you believe that?!! As the weeks are flying by, we are immersed in all kinds of math in our classroom. Here's a summary of what we did today:
 
Algebra 1: We started solving algebraic problems that have x's on both sides of the equation.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We reviewed the basics of logarithms and then learned a series of log rules. We solved a few log problems using some of these rules.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Student took the 7s multiplication facts quiz. We continued our discussion of unit systems by reviewing the US customary system we had learned last week. We also discussed the metric system and found out that it is way easier to convert from one unit to another in this system by merely moving the decimal point one way or the other.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students completed their school store survey by talking  with middle school students during recess. We put together all the data collected and decided on the initial list of items to sell in 2 weeks. Students completed their store posters. We wrapped up the class by going over some of the homework problems to make sure everyone is doing the problems correctly.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 10th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due next Monday. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted on Friday.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy