Foundations of

Mathematical Reasoning
Version 2.0
Lesson 11

an initiative of the
Charles A. Dana Center and the
Texas Association of Community Colleges

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Lesson 11, Part A Theme: Personal Finance

Formulating a plan

Credit: 123RF

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part A
1) Bob and Carol Mazursky have recently purchased their first
home. The scale shows the rectangular lot, the house, the
driveway, and the backyard. Determine two things you could
figure out about the property based on the scale.

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part A

Objectives for the lesson

You will understand that:
 A variable can be used to represent an unknown
quantity.
 Using a formula requires knowing what each variable
represents.
 The units are helpful when working with formulas.

You will be able to:

 Use formulas from geometry.
 Evaluate an expression in a geometric formula.

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part A
The Mazurskys are expecting their first child in several months
and want to get the backyard fertilized and reseeded before
the baby arrives.

2) How does the information you recorded in question 1 relate

to the ideas of fertilizing and reseeding, or what additional
information do you need to determine?

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part B Theme: Personal Finance

The costs of geometry

Credit: lianem/123RF

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part B
The Mazurskys decide to begin their improvements with
fertilizing and reseeding the backyard. They found an ad for
Gerry’s Green Team lawn service. Gerry came to their house
and said that the job would take about four hours and would
cost about $600.

Gerry’s Green Team

Itemized Costs:  
  Grass seed 4 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. @ $1.25 per pound

  Fertilizer 50 pounds per 12,000 sq. ft. @ $0.50 per pound

  Labor $45 per hour

    advertisement

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part B

Objectives for the lesson

You will understand that:
 The units are helpful when working with formulas.

You will be able to:

 Perform calculations that involve rates and measures
to support financial decisions.
 Solve complex problems requiring multiple pieces of
information and steps.
 Evaluate an expression involving estimating cost.

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part B
1) Is Gerry’s estimate consistent with his advertisement?

Gerry’s Green Team

Itemized Costs:  
  Grass seed 4 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. @ $1.25 per pound

  Fertilizer 50 pounds per 12,000 sq. ft. @ $0.50 per pound

  Labor $45 per hour

    advertisement

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part B

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part C Theme: Personal Finance

Modifying and combining

formulas

Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Fotolia

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part C
The Mazurskys are doing more work in the backyard. There is
a brick grill, and Bob and Carol want to make a concrete patio
in the shape of a semicircle next to the grill. The concrete slab
needs to be at least 2 inches thick. They will use 40-pound
bags of premixed concrete. Each 40-pound bag makes 0.30
cubic feet of concrete and costs $6.50.

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part C

Objectives for the lesson

You will understand that:
 You can find formulas through the web and reference
books.
 The units are helpful when working with formulas.

You will be able to:

 Use formulas from geometry and perform
calculations that involve rates and measures to
support financial decisions.
 Write an expression to solve a problem involving
estimating cost.

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part C
1) How much will the materials cost,
including the 7.5% sales tax?

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
Lesson 11, Part C
In the future, Bob and Carol plan to add a concrete patio on
the side of the house adjacent to the driveway and new sod
between the house and driveway. (Sod is a layer of grass that
can be laid on top of the ground so the grass grows quickly.)
You will help them with these projects in Practice Assignment
11.C.

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin
About the Dana Center

The Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas

at Austin works with our nation’s education systems to
ensure that every student leaves school prepared for
success in postsecondary education and the
contemporary workplace.
Our work, based on research and two decades of experience, focuses
on K-16 mathematics and science education with an emphasis on
strategies for improving student engagement, motivation, persistence,
and achievement.
We develop innovative curricula, tools, protocols, and instructional
supports and deliver powerful instructional and leadership
development.

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Copyright © 2016, The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas Austin