Consumer math looks at how math is used daily life. Most of the activities we do, from budgeting to meal planning to student loans to insurance require some level of math.
There are resources here for both younger and older students.
Consumer Math
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Currency Conversion Activity
This activity shows how to convert money between different currencies by constructing an exchange rate table using current data from the Internet and a calculator. Travel to many countries and compare prices. learn more
Essential Consumer Math Concepts
Consumer math is the study of the basic mathematics concepts that are used in daily life. It is teaching the real world applications of math to students. This post lists the key topics that any consumer math course should include to ensure that students are prepared for the future. learn more
How Much Student Loan Debt is Too Much?
Taking out any amount of student debt is a big decision and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. While a degree is still valuable when applying for jobs, the benefits of higher education or less cut-and-dry now than they've ever been. This post looks at topics like... Estimate Your Starting Salary Consider Employment During College… learn more
Money and Finance for Kids
This site covers a number of interesting money related topics, including topics like Counting Money, Making Change, Money Word Problems, and Filling Out A Check. Other topics include how money is minted, budgeting, taxes and economic themes like supply and demand. This site can be a good resource both for simple lessons and as a… learn more
Money Word Problems Worksheets
This page contains links to free math worksheets for Money Word Problems problems. Worksheets vary in complexity from simple addition and subtraction to mixed operation problems with extra unused facts. Answer keys are included. learn more
NCTM Classroom Resources
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is committed to offering standards-based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for each and every student. learn more
Should I Borrow Student Loans to Help Pay for College?
This short animated video, goes over the questions your students should ask themselves and the steps they should take before deciding to use student loans to help cover college costs. Makes a great introductory video. Afterwards, you can "work the math" for topics in the video like... Is it better to save or borrow? How… learn more
Teaching Elementary Students How to Make Change
Rachel Kaplove explains how to teach elementary students how to make change showing two different methods, adding or subtracting. Why two different methods? Some students will grasp one method easier than the other. And students should learn how to work the problem both ways as a foundation for the future. learn more
What Makes Something Seem Like A Good Deal?
What makes something seem like a good deal? Subtle ways of framing the same information can make your students more compelled to purchase. Which sounds better 25% off or $5 off? Most people see the numbers and not the % and $ signs and act accordingly. When is 20% off better than $150 off? Every… learn more