Examples

Have you ever thought about how much we rely on math to make decisions in our everyday interests and activities? Check these situations out!

Scenario:

First off, it took me an half an hour to get there. When I pulled into the parking lot there were 14 cars in front of me, all waiting for a front row spot. I maneuvered to the last row and then dodged five runaway carts. I hoped the 50% off sale on Christmas decorations was worth the trouble! I made my way to the clearance aisle and saw that there were about fifty other people who had the same idea as me. It seemed we were all drawn to the artificial trees where a sign hung that said “$1 per foot!” After I picked out a 7’ artificial Spruce, I had to calculate how many lights I should buy for next year. While I was there, I decided that I should also buy discounted lights. The chart on the back of the box indicated that I should buy a minimum of 100 lights per every 6 inches of height. Lights came 150 per package. After I figured out that conundrum, I threw the lights in the cart and fought my way towards the self-checkout stand. I’d really had enough. I waited for 10 minutes for the folks in front of me to finish weighing each individual pear they bought—evidently there were no plastic bags available in produce! So, I began waving my lights across the scanner. Instead of ringing up the 50% sale price, the computer read $9.00—the original price! What the heck? The tree, however, came out fine. After flagging down a cashier to adjust the price error on the lights, I finally slid my debit card in the reader and got out of there. What a nightmare—all for a sale.

Main Point:

Topic Sentence:

Possible Math Problems:

Pick one to solve:
Your Turn:

Topic sentence…………….. Knowing the date is not enough. Often the date and day do not coincide on a perfect party day, or evening, depending on the time of the event. Then there are decisions about the cake, homemade or store bought, the decorations and games and party favors.

Although we know the date it should be, we had to change it to the Saturday before so all the other kids could be there. Fortunately the weather is supposed to be clear and in the 70’s by the afternoon; that way it can be held outside. Thank goodness we limited the event to only eight other children! To keep it a bit easier, we ordered the cake from Safeway, which is only 10 minutes away, so I can pick that up in the morning.
Scenario:

Main Point: having a pet

Topic Sentence: Being a dog owner means more than just having a buddy.

Being a dog owner means more than just having a buddy. It’s important that people take into consideration the financial, emotional, and physical needs of the dog they choose. For example, aside from the cost of buying a dog, there are other expenses such as vaccinations, food, and even insurance. Vaccinations and insurance might cost over $100 per year. Food, depending on the type needs to be purchased once or twice a month for thirty to forty dollars. Emotionally, a dog owner must be prepared to spend time and energy bonding with and training his or her pet. Dogs need to be walked at least twice a day; however, some breeds might need much more time. Training can also take quite a bit of time, usually an hour or more per day. Play is important too. Dogs and their people need quality time just as much as human relationships. So, before people choose to buy a dog, they need to consider whether or not they have the time, money and love that it takes to make a dog their best buddy.