Applications of Mathematics 12 -
Number (Number Operations)

This sub-organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will design or use a spreadsheet to make and justify financial decisions.

It is expected that students will:

• design a financial spreadsheet template to allow users to input their own variables
• analyse the costs and benefits of renting or buying an increasing asset, such as land or property, under various circumstances
• analyse the costs and benefits of leasing or buying a decreasing asset, such as a vehicle or computer, under various circumstances
• analyse an investment portfolio applying such concepts as interest rate, rate of return and total return

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Financial decisions are justified by analysing how variables affect the time value of money. This analysis is readily achieved when using financial spreadsheet templates.

• Give students an existing spreadsheet template (e.g., compound interest, annuity) and have them input values and analyse how the output changes.
• Have students modify an existing template so that it will generate additional information. For example:
  • modify amortization tables to find the total interest over a specific period or change the interest rate part way through the term (refinancing plan)
  • personalize budget templates to reflect students’ individual financial situations
• Have students create a template (financial spreadsheet) that will give monthly details of borrowing $80,000 for 20 years at 8.5% interest. The information wanted is monthly payment, monthly debt remaining, interest paid monthly, and amount of principle paid monthly.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

To make wise financial decisions, consumers must understand the mathematics involved in borrowing and investing money. Assessment should involve the use of spreadsheet templates and provide evidence of students’ abilities to analyse situations so they can make informed decisions.

Observe

• While students are working on the templates, look for evidence they can:
  • manipulate the variables within the template to solve the given problem
  • modify the template to include additional information to address a different problem situation
  • modify the template to address different problems
  • use technology with relative ease and confidence

Collect

• Provide each student with a unique financial profile, including income and debt load. Have students prepare five versions of an amortization template to reflect various input variables (e.g., periods, interest rates, down payments). Have them analyse the results of the manipulations and determine which combination of variables is most appropriate.

Self-Assessment

• Have students select and use a template or spreadsheet of personal finances, money management in general, or a home mortgage. Ask them to answer the following questions:
  • What would happen if _____________________?
  • What would be true if ______________________?
  • - What would be the result if __________________?
  • What if ______________ had happened instead?
  • What does this information suggest?
  • What rule applies in this case?

RECOMMENDED LEARNING RESOURCES

Print Materials

• Applied Mathematics 12 available June 2001

Software

• Secondary Math Lab Toolkit

© 2000 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Curriculum Branch.
Maintained by: Mathematics Coordinator
Revised: November 22, 2000

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