Functions Describing a Relationship Between Two Quantities: CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-BF.A.1 - Common Core: High School - Functions

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Sally wants to buy a new computer for next year. The computer that she has her eye on costs . Sally works as a dog walker and gets paid an hour. If Sally works eight hours every week, how many weeks of work will it take for her to earn enough money to buy the new computer?

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This question is testing one's ability to recognize functions in everyday situations and build the mathematical model that shows the relationship between two quantities. A question such as this requires examination into the behavior between the quantities, whether it be explicit expression, a recursive process, or a multi-step calculation. It also requires the use of algebraic operations to solve the question at hand and then build a function that models the relationship.

For the purpose of Common Core Standards, writing a function which describes a relationship falls within the Cluster A of build a function that models a relationship between two quantities concept (CCSS.Math.content.HSF.BF.A). Questions in this cluster depend heavily of building an understanding between real life situations as seen through a mathematical perspective.

Knowing the standard and the concept for which it relates to, we can now do the step-by-step process to solve the problem in question.

Step 1: Identify what the question is asking for.

Step 2: Identify what is given/known from the question.

Step 3: Using algebraic methods creating function to describe relationship.

Step 4: Answer the question.

Following the steps listed above for this particular problem is as follows.

Step 1: Identify what the question is asking for.

How many weeks will Sally need to work to earn enough money to buy the new computer?

Step 2: Identify what is given/known from the question.

The computer costs

Sally earns

Sally works

Step 3: Using algebraic methods creating function to describe relationship.

Step 4: Answer the question.

From this model, substitute in the known values and solve for the weeks worked to answer the question.

Using algebraic operations divide by 64 on both sides to calculate the number of weeks Sally will need to work.