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Contemporary Mathematics

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Contemporary MathematicsProjects

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Ratio and Proportion—Comparing Prices, Part 1

Go to your favorite coffee shops and find out what a same sized drink costs at each. You can do something similar for pizza as well. Find the unit rate (i.e., price per ounce or price per square inch). For example, go to your favorite coffee place and find the price per units on all their large coffee drinks. Or go to your favorite pizza place and compare prices of all their extra-large pizzas (by price per square inch). Write a report on the best deals.

Ratio and Proportion—Comparing Prices, Part 2

Rather than comparing prices of different, but same sized drinks (or pizzas), compare unit prices of the same drinks but of different sizes. Find out what the best bargain is based on price per ounce, price per square inch, etc. For example, compare the prices of your favorite soft drink sold at a local store, but in various sizes (i.e., 12-ounce can, 16-ounce bottle, 20-ounce bottle, 1-liter bottle, and multipacks). Or go to a pizza place and find out what the best bargain is on their menu, based on price per square inch of pizza. Write a report on the best deals.

Systems of Linear Inequalities—Comparing Cell Phone Plans

Go to the websites of different cell phone companies and compare their plans. Write a report on “the best deals. "Best Deals” doesn’t necessarily mean “cheapest.” You will need to look at what each company provides concerning restrictions (constraints) on minutes to talk. What are the constraints on the cell phone coverage for each company? Do they cover your area of the country well? Do they cover the entire United States well, or at least areas where you will be travelling? Is this coverage 5G, or is it less? Can you add a phone easily? Can you bring your previous phone number to this plan? The possibilities of constraints affecting each plan are several. So your task is to determine which plan is best, based on not only cost but also all constraints you deem important.

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