It's time to check the mail! The task is to determine the most cost-effective way to mail a packet of information. Young scholars write an equation that models the amount of postage as a function of the number of sheets mailed and another that models the cost as a function of the weight. They then combine functions to make a final conclusion. 

Concepts

linear equations, linear equations applications, linear equations writing, linear functions, problem solving techniques

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Consider editing to reflect current postal rates
• Have pupils create multiple representations to model the postal costs

Classroom Considerations

• Expects some experience with linear modeling

Pros

• Encourages both discussion and written communication
• Incorporates a real-life situation to reinforce the algebra concepts

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSA-CED.A.2