Witness the power of exponential growth with an activity that investigates two different savings plans. Class members create tables of values to see how and when a savings plan increasing exponentially exceeds one increasing linearly.

Concepts

linear functions, exponential functions

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Use as an introductory assignment to exponential functions
• Modify the task to create a homework assignment

Classroom Considerations

• Requires calculators

Pros

• Aligns well to the given Common Core standard F-LE.3
• Real-world scenario allows pupils to practice a life skill

Cons

• Although there are questions for learners to consider, there is not a worksheet
• There is an inconsistency in what variables represent (In the equation y = 1000x, y represents the total amount after x years, while in the equation y = 12.5(2)^x, y represents the amount deposited in year x)

Common Core

HSF-LE.A.3 MP1 MP4 MP5 MP6