F1.5 Calculate unit rates for various goods and services, and identify which rates offer the best value.
Activity 1: Advantageous Screw Packages
Present students with the following scenario:
Ahmna is helping her cousin repair the patio of her house. The local hardware store sells nails that Ahmna needs at the prices of $115 for a 500 pack, $65 for a 250 pack, $40 for a 100 pack and $210 for a 1000 pack.
Ask students to determine which package has the lowest unit rate. Invite students to demonstrate their mathematical strategy.
Ask students the following question:
- Why would some consumers not buy the package with the lowest unit rate (unit cost)? Explain your reasoning.
Activity 2: An Economical Floor Covering Choice
Have students, either in pairs or triads, look at flyers from retailers specializing in building materials for an outdoor classroom floor with the material of their choice (flooring, wood, paver or other). Ask them to calculate the unit price of each building material to be purchased from each retailer and determine which retailer offers the best price per m2 of floor area to be covered.
Then ask the following question:
- What factors do you think should be considered when purchasing building materials for an outdoor floor, as for a deck or an outdoor classroom? Explain your reasoning.