Math For Real Life

"Where are we ever going to use this?" Every high school math student has asked this question. Often teachers themselves aren't sure how to respond. One answer is that higher mathematics learned in high school will be essential to learning yet more at the college level. A more satisfactory answer calls for an awareness of how math is applied in many specific areas. Written primarily for teachers, this book presents hundreds of practical applications for mathematics--from baseball statistics to the theory of relativity--that can be understood by anyone with a knowledge of high school algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

Guided practice and activity pages help students formulate complete answers to real-life problems involving logical reasoning, pre-algebra, decimals, percentages, basic geometry, graphs, and statistics.

In Real-Life Math: Living on a Paycheck, students use math skills to learn about life. For example, they learn to use a debit card, keep a check register, and use online banking--not for the sake of learning the skills, but as a way to pay their bills and keep track of their finances. Their individual check registers become a tool rather than a lesson.In Real-Life Math, skills are used and then repeatedly reinforced due to the natural pattern of repetition that is found in life. For example, bills are not paid during a 1-week lesson on paying bills. Rather, bills are paid repeatedly throughout the program because paying bills is a repetitive event in life. This constant recurrence that is natural in daily life serves as a perfect learn-review-review-review-review pattern in the classroom. As students learn to function in the make-believe town of Willow, U.S.A., they truly learn to function in life.Most students can benefit from this method of learning consumer math; however, for students who struggle in school, this approach might be the only way they will really learn needed math skills. Students who have not previously had success in math can succeed with this program because it offers an opportunity to learn by doing. Many people learn best by doing and, for some students, hands-on participation is the only way they learn well. For this reason, teaching math through a simulation that models real life is a logical idea.Real-Life Math: Living on a Paycheck offers a realistic life-experience method of teaching financial literacy, as students learn a wide range of financial skills within the context of simulation. This format allows students to learn all the skills in relation to each other rather than in isolation. Using this approach is logical because financial skills are rarely used in isolation in real life.

Provides insights into the many connections between mathematics applications and the real world. Math concepts are presented with multiple examples of how each is applied in everyday environments, such as the workplace, nature, science, sports, and even parking.

Two experienced math educators help the average reader discover not only the everyday usefulness of math but the fun that comes from mastering the basics of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and more. If you think of mathematics as a series of pointless classroom exercises without much relevance to real life, this book will change your mind. As the authors show, math is deeply embedded in almost every aspect of daily life--from managing your personal finances, making consumer purchases, and sharpening your computational skills, to learning to apply mathematical concepts that will give you a better grasp of both ordinary and extraordinary events and help you better appreciate the world we live in. With some basic geometry under your belt, you'll discover that there is an optimal point on a soccer field from which to shoot a goal. And you'll be more clever with the gears of a bike. If you like to play cards or go to the casino, knowing something about probability will give you an edge. You'll also have an enhanced understanding of the "whispering effect" inside the Capitol rotunda, why a car's headlights are so bright, and even why sewer covers are round. After reading this entertaining and instructive book, you'll come away with a whole new awareness of how elegantly mathematics explains everyday experiences and observations--from present day items to classical art and architecture.

The easy way to brush up on the math skills you need in reallife Not everyone retains the math they learned in school. Like anyskill, your ability to speak "math" can deteriorate if left unused.From adding and subtracting money in a bank account to figuring outthe number of shingles to put on a roof, math in all of its formsfactors into daily life. Math For Real Life For Dummiesprovides you with the simple formulas and theorems that you'relikely to encounter in the workplace, the kitchen, and even whenplaying games. You can turn to Math For Real Life For Dummies to brushup on your math skills or to handle everyday encounters, likecalculating restaurant tips, understanding interest rates, andfiguring out percentages and odds. Packed with real-world examplesthat make sense, Math For Real Life For Dummies takes thestress out of your daily calculation encounters. Provides tips for understanding and using basic mathematicalconcepts Shows you how math helps the mind to reason and organizecomplicated situations or problems into clear, simple, and logicalsteps Covers all of the math skills you're likely to need in everydaysituations If you're looking for a practical, plain-English guide tomastering everyday math skills, Math For Real Life ForDummies has you covered.

18 reproducible activities with detailed teacher notes.

With Math in Everyday Life, students apply basic math skills to all aspects of everyday life. Students use realistic and accurate forms, worksheets, and other paperwork to help build an understanding of an comfort level with the forms and related math applications that are part of daily living.