Dive into all the different ways you can use Application Problems from the Financial Algebra Course.

What are Applications?

Applications are differentiated math activities that practice one math skill at three levels in a personal finance context. 

Example: APPLICATION: Graphing Wages and Linear Equations

An hourly wage with a signing bonus is the perfect hook to get students thinking about compensation packages in the form of linear equations! 

This activity comes from Financial Algebra Lesson 2.5: Graphing Linear Equations. Students choose one of the following levels:

• Level 1: Write and graph linear equations based on 3 fictional compensation packages
• Level 2: Look up minimium wage for your state and use a Desmos Classroom activity to explore deeper
• Level 3: Check out the Living Wage calculator from MIT to write and graph equations but also reflect on how families cover expenses on a low income

Ways to Use Applications

Applications are flexible! You can…

• Assess student learning at the end of a lesson with one level
• Use all 3 levels for a review day after each math lesson
• Create a simple station activity to review before a test
• Assign part of the Application for homework
• Over extra credit for completing an additional level
• Offer the chance to be a “class expert” on a topic for students who complete Level 3
• Choose individual Applications to supplement your existing math curriculum

Learn more about the minimum wage with the 1-Hour On-Demand: $7.25 - The Minimum Wage

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson

Kathryn (she/her) is excited to join the NGPF team after 9 years of experience in education as a mentor, tutor, and special education teacher. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in policy analysis and management and has a master's degree in education from Brooklyn College. Kathryn is looking forward to bringing her passion for accessibility and educational justice into curriculum design at NGPF. During her free time, Kathryn loves embarking on cooking projects, walking around her Seattle neighborhood with her dog, or lounging in a hammock with a book.