IB MYP 5

MATHEMATICS (Standard)

Applying mathematics in real-life context

The global context is globalization and sustainability with focus on commonality, diversity and interconnection.
This task focuses on criterion D (Appling mathematics in real-life contexts) and criterion C (Communication).

1. (15 marks)
A local government will design a planning for household electricity consumption in the houses in the
current area. In order to planning energy efficiency and sustainable environment, it needs some
consideration.
1. Saving the energy. Based on
energystar.gov, saving energy
isn’t just about reducing the
numbers on your utility bills-
it also helps reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions.
2. Saving the bills. Today, more
than 85% of American
households recognize the
Energy Star label. Those
products, have helped
families and businesses save
$362 billion on utility bills
since 1992. (Source:
energystar.gov)
1a. (2 marks)
This is the table information about household electricity consumption cost per hour.
1 𝑘𝑊ℎ = 1 kilowatts per hour = 1000 watts per hour
100 cents = $1.00
Write down the missing cost per hour on the table below.

Regular Machine Consumption Cost Per Hour

No. Appliance
Per Hour (kWh) (at 11 cents per kWh )
1. Heat Pump 3 500 watts 385 cents
2. Water Heater 4 000 watts 44 cents
3. Lightning 60 watts …
4. Others 6 400 watts …

1b. (2 marks)
The amount of energy used by a regular heat pump is 3 500 watts per hour.
In order to save the energy usage and save the environment, the local government change from a regular
heat pump machine into Energy Star qualified heat pump machine.
Energy Star qualified heat pumps use up to 30% less energy compared to a non-qualified model.
Calculate the amount of energy consumption per hour of the Energy Star qualified heat pumps.
1
Page
 IB MYP 5
MATHEMATICS (Standard)
1c. (11 marks)
This is the table of Average of Energy Consumption per house during winter.
Regular Machine Energy Star
Estimated Usage Suggested Cost
No. Appliance Consumption Per Consumption
(hours/day) per Day
Hour (kWh) Reduction
1. Heat Pump 3.5 kWh 30% less 12 hours/day
Water
2. 4 kWh 50% less 3 hours/day
Heater
3. Lightning 0.06 kWh 75% 3 hours/day
4. Others 6.4 kWh 25% 6.5 hours/day
Total in a month (30 days)
(continued)
The local government claims that the average monthly electric bill per house is less than $230.
You should write a report in which you discuss the claim made by the local government.

Your report will be assessed on the mathematical evidence you provide in your discussion and you
should consider the future of the proposed monthly electric bill planning per house using the data
provided in the table and picture. In your answer, you should:
 Identify the relevant mathematical information for the opportunities available by the proposed
monthly electric bill planning per house.
 Make appropriate calculations to provide evidence to support your report
 Consider the accuracy of your predictions
 Comment on the sustainability of the monthly electric bill planning.
2
Page