Estimating the Age of a Vehicle.docx - Section 2: Estimating the Age of a Vehicle

Logs, Loans, and Life Lessons!
Lesson 14 of 21
Objective: Students will be able to futher their knowledge of logarithms by applying them to dB's of sound. Students will compare sounds mathematically by using knowledge of exponential functions and logarithms.

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!
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- UNIT 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- UNIT 3: Sequences and Series
- UNIT 4: Statistics: Something for Everyone
- UNIT 5: Review Lessons
- UNIT 6: Writing Prompts in Mathematics
- UNIT 7: Trig Tidbits
- UNIT 8: Functions, Problem Solving, and 21st Century Skills
- UNIT 9: Polynomials and Problem Solving
- UNIT 10: Probability
- UNIT 11: Imagine This! Imaginary and Complex Numbers
- UNIT 12: Let's Explore Radicals!
- LESSON 1: Introduction to Exponential Functions - Rational Exponents
- LESSON 2: Real Number Exponents
- LESSON 3: A Conceptual Introduction to Exponential Functions: Collaboration, Questioning, and Financial Advice!
- LESSON 4: Discovering Solutions to Exponential Equations
- LESSON 5: An "Exponentially" Rewarding Battle!
- LESSON 6: Productive Struggle - A Pre-Spring Break Challenge of Exponential Functions
- LESSON 7: Compositions, Inverses & Role Play: Extending Concepts to Exponential Functions
- LESSON 8: Exponential Functions and Logarithms - Connecting the Dots
- LESSON 9: Exponentials and Logarithms: LOUD and CLEAR!
- LESSON 10: A Wrap on Logarithmic dB's and An Extension to Logarithmic Properties
- LESSON 11: Classroom Journey: Exponential and Logarithmic Properties
- LESSON 12: Laws of Logarithms and Real Applications
- LESSON 13: Calculator Boot-Camp and Solving Exponential Equations
- LESSON 14: Logs, Loans, and Life Lessons!
- LESSON 15: "Demystifying e" Day #1
- LESSON 16: Logs, Loans, and Life Lessons Collaboration Day!
- LESSON 17: FInal Discussion - "Demystifying e" PLUS Skills Practice with Logarithms
- LESSON 18: Elephant Tracks!
- LESSON 19: End of Unit Differentiated Problem Set
- LESSON 20: Differentiated Problem Share Out - Unit Review
- LESSON 21: Unit Review