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Level Two > Number and Algebra

Taxi Fare

Keywords:
Achievement Objectives:

Achievement Objective: Find rules for the next member in a sequential pattern.

Specific Learning Outcomes: 

Count in twos using odd numbers

Describe a repeating number pattern

Description of mathematics: 

The students first have to see there’s a pattern here. The pattern is built in twos starting from one. When does the pattern hit 23?

Required Resource Materials: 
1 and 2 dollar coins (pictures)
Copymaster of the problem (English)
Copymaster of the problem (Māori)
Activity: 

Problem

In Beltenup, taxi drivers charge $1 flag fall once you get in the car. Then they charge you $2 for each kilometre you travel. How far can you go if you and your friends have just $23 between you?

Teaching Sequence

  1. Set the scene for the problem with a discussion about taxis. More specifically check that the students understand how taxis charge – flagfall and $ per km.
    Tell the students about the rates of "Beltenup" taxis.
    Ask: If you want to travel 4 km how much would it cost?
  2. Discuss solutions.
  3. Pose problem for the students to work on in pairs.
  4. As the students work ask questions that focus their thinking on the repeating pattern of twos.
    What are you using to solve this problem? How is that helping you?
    What numbers are you using? Why?
    What is the next number? How do you know?
  5. Share solutions.
  6. Conclude with some class practice counting forwards and backwards in twos using different starting numbers.

Extension to the problem

How far could I travel in a Beltneup taxi if I had $40?

Solution

There are lots of ways of doing this. Let’s use a table.

 

$

1

3

5

7

9

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

km

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

 

So the friends can travel for 11 km in the taxi.

Solution to the extension

19.5 km


 

AttachmentSize
Taxi.pdf52.55 KB
TaxiMaori.pdf61.18 KB

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