Dziorny, Gail                                                           

LS521  Sp02

March 11, 2002

 

                                                            

Decimal Drop In   

            One of the more difficult topics in seventh grade math is the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of decimals. However, it is a very important concept to learn. How will I ever use decimals in the real world, you may wonder. Well, let’s take a look at some real world applications of decimals.

 

First, let’s review how to add decimals. This girl, named Jennifer, was having problems, just as you might be having. She decided to Ask Mr. Math for help. Read her question and his response:

        http://mathforum.org/dr.math/problems/jennifer5.26.98.html

 

Therefore, you can see you are not the only one who has trouble.

 

Now let’s try some real world examples of adding decimals.

 

This can be a very busy gift-giving season. Many people have birthdays, not to mention Mother’s Day, and graduation.

 

You have decided that you would like to give some CD’s as gifts.

Go to the following site:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/5174/ref=gw_br_mu/103-4312714-8905442

 

Scroll down until you find New & Future Releases.

Click on and buy one copy of Celine Dion’s A New Day Has Come. Use the Our Price amount.

Click on and buy two copies of I Am Sam- Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture  [soundtrack]. Use the Our Price amount.

Click on and buy three copies of Far Side of the World by Jimmy Buffet at the Our Price amount.

 

You have also decided to give some Yankee Candles to your Mom, Aunt and Grandmother for Mother’s Day.

Go to this site:

http://www.yankeecandle.com/cgi-bin/ycbvp/listing.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@2052226265.1015887993@@@@&BV_EngineID=cadcdhjieeegbfdncfhjchhdlo.0&category=%2fCandles%2fHousewarmers%26reg%3b%2fClassics

 

Buy three French Vanilla 22 oz. Candles.

 

Let’s now take a look at what you have gotten.

  1. How many CD’s did you end up buying? What is the total cost of the CD’s?
  2. Shipping is free if you spend over $99. Was your shipping free? How much more do you need to spend?
  3. If shipping costs $6.50, how much do you owe to Amazon for the CD’s and the shipping?
  4. How much do your three candles cost?
  5. If shipping on the candles is $ 4.25, what is your total for the candles?
  6. You have $150 to spend. Can you buy the CD’s above and the three candles (including the shipping costs)? Do you need more money? If yes, how much more?
  7. What would the CD’s cost if you only bought one Jimmy Buffet CD?
  8. Suppose you will be sharing the cost of the CD’s and candles with your brother and sister. What is your share of the cost?