Discussion Boards
There is no minimum or maximum amount of words just answer the questions and make sure to include the reference.
DISCUSSION 1
Algebra and its applications - Research an application of algebra and algebraic modeling. For example, you could research carbon dating to determine the age of an artifact... or calculating the time it will take for you to drive from your house to Las Vegas on your annual road trip... or determining what interest rate you can handle for a new car loan in order to keep your monthly payments below a certain amount, etc. Discuss the way algebra would be used to address your example and provide an example of a formula that would be used in the process. Provide at least one reference.
DISCUSSION 2
Financial decisions - We have many options for how to save, invest, or allocate our money. Some of these include savings accounts, CDs, mutual funds, real estate, and so on. Suppose you win $10,000 in the lottery and you want to invest it! Look up the details of two different investment opportunities (you can find these at your local bank, on the internet, etc.) Present the types of investments you looked up and the details surrounding them. What is the expected return? How liquid is your investment - meaning, is your money always available to you, or is it tied up in an asset? What are the risks and benefits of investing your money this way?
Then, using the material and ideas, compare the two investments mathematically and describe what the pros and cons of each investment are using numbers. How much could you earn (or lose) in each investment? How did you calculate those values? Show or explain your calculations, what formulas you used, why you used those formulas, and what you obtained.
Based on the potential return and the potential risk, what are you going to do with the $10,000? Don't forget your references!
DISCUSSION 3
Math in politics - Gerrymandering is the process of manipulating voting district boundaries in order to favor one particular party or class. Your textbook mentions gerrymandering in Chapters 10 and 11 that you studied, as well as in Chapter 9, Geometry (pages 476-478).
After you finish your textbook readings, do an internet search regarding the use of mathematics to prevent gerrymandering. Give an example of a case of gerrymandering in the United States. Present an article, study, or other publication that discusses the use of mathematics to prevent gerrymandering. In your own words, summarize the article/publication and describe the math (and use of math) involved. Be sure to reference your source!
DISCUSSION 4
Closing - What class, knowledge, or lesson do feel would prepare you for this course? Should there be a prerequisite course or a prep course before this class? If so, what should it include? What did you feel was the most helpful part of this course in learning the material? What topic was the most interesting to you? It was a pleasure having you in class!
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.