Algebra in the Real World

Assignment Overview

Throughout the course, you have learned how algebra relates to many everyday situations. This assignment is designed to give you an opportunity to think about how the course concepts apply to your life. You may apply them to your personal experiences, or you may apply them specifically to your discipline, such as health care, technology, or business.

For this assignment, you will gather ideas from the discussion boards, Internet, and textbook readings to create a clearly formatted paper and to incorporate additional insights and edits, as appropriate. Review/preview the types of equations covered in Weeks 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10.

Assignment Instructions

In your paper, complete the following. Feel free to include equations and/or graphical representations.

1.Explain in mathematical terms equations that have applications in your personal or professional life.

oChoose 4 equations or functions among those covered in the course, including one from each of the following:

§Linear (Week 3).

§Polynomial of degree > 2 (Week 4) or quadratic (Week 8).

§Rational (Week 6) or radical (Week 7).

§Logarithmic (Week 10) or exponential (Week 10).

2.Analyze how and where each equation is applicable to your personal or professional life.

oApplications may include areas such as business, health care, technology, and/or science.

oPay particular attention to applications that impact your life.

3.Discuss the most surprising aspect of applying algebra to your personal or professional life.

oAfter you identify the aspect, discuss specifically how this application is surprising, unexpected, or even delightful.

oCompare this aspect to other applications of algebra in personal or professional contexts.

Note that examples can run in the background of our lives without us directly plugging in numbers ourselves.

Before submitting your paper, read through the assignment rubric to ensure that you have met the requirements.

Assignment Requirements

Your paper should meet the following requirements:

Written communication: Your writing is free of errors that detract from the overall message.

APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting guidelines. Refer to the Evidence and APALinks to an external site. section of the Writing Center for guidance.

Paper length: Write 2–4 pages. Be sure to address all the criteria in the rubric.

Paper structure: Your paper should be set up in a logical format based on topics and include the following:

oA title page.

oHeaders. (Consider including a header for each type of equation: Linear, Quadratic, and so on.)

Competencies Measured

The course competencies are measured through individual rubric criteria in each assignment. By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies:

Competency 5: Apply mathematical concepts to the social and natural sciences, business, and everyday life.

oExplain linear equations in mathematical terms.

oExplain polynomial or quadratic equations in mathematical terms.

oExplain radical or rational equations in mathematical terms.

oExplain logarithmic or exponential equations in mathematical terms.

oDiscuss the most surprising aspect of applying algebra to one’s personal or professional life.