I’ve been using this video for over a year now in presentations on the revised program of studies. My intention in showing it is to demonstrate a problem with number sense in our society in general.
I have spent a year making fun of the Verizon people’s mathematical abilities. Today, however, I am ashamed (and a little amused) to admit that someone in the employ of the same district I work for has made the exact same error. An astute EPSB math teacher sent this flyer my way today.
Show your students this flyer. Ask them what they wonder about.
I would have them calculate how much 100 pounds of books will cost. See if they make the same faulty assumption that I believe the person creating this flyer must have made. I can’t believe they really intend to sell the books for half a cent per pound. If that is true, I’m rushing right over on Friday to get my 100 pounds of books for 47 and a half cents. I’ll even give them 48 cents and let them keep the change.
Give your students extensions. How many pounds of books could they get for $20 at this rate? Would all those books fit in a car? What about for $100?
