This is a homework assignment that the students literally can’t wait to get started! I allow them to select their own vehicle, or “purchase” one from my “car lot” of cut strips from Cars.com. I ask the students to be sure to pick a vehicle between $40,000 and $70,000. In the assignment, the students are asked to graph the depreciation function for their automobile, as well as provide (and graph) a linear loan function that would be suitable for the purchase. Although I encourage them to experiment with other down payments, I require them to put at least 20% down on the purchase price. This is a really fun and insightful activity!!!
Question #10 tells the students to be prepared to share their results with other students and teachers. The next day, I like to put the kids in a situation where they can orally communicate their findings. I have also gotten emails from parents in the past who talk about how neat it was to see their teenager bring home homework… AND actually WANT to talk about it!