Inequalities Around Us: Real-World Applications

diana mclaughlin

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Inequalities Around Us: Real-World Applications

Connect inequalities to real-world scenarios

This lesson introduces students to the concept of mathematical inequalities and their applications in real-world scenarios such as budgeting and resource allocation. By solving practical problems, students will learn to form and solve inequalities, enhancing their problem-solving skills and understanding of how mathematics applies to everyday life. This lesson is important as it helps students see the relevance of math in real-world contexts, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Audience

9th Grade Students

Time

50 mins

Approach

Connect inequalities to real-world scenarios

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Projector, Worksheet: Real-World Inequality Problems, and Quiz: Inequality Applications

Step 1

Introduction to Inequalities

10 mins

Begin with a brief overview of inequalities, explaining symbols like >, <, ≥, and ≤.
Discuss how inequalities differ from equations and their significance in representing real-world constraints.
Use simple examples to illustrate the concept, such as comparing ages or heights.

Step 2

Real-World Problem Solving

25 mins

Distribute the worksheet on real-world inequality problems.
Guide students through the first problem as a class, demonstrating how to translate a scenario into an inequality.
Allow students to work in pairs to solve the remaining problems, encouraging collaboration and discussion.
Circulate the room to provide support and answer questions.

Step 3

Class Discussion

10 mins

Facilitate a discussion on how inequalities are used in everyday life, such as budgeting, resource allocation, and decision-making.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and examples of where they might encounter inequalities outside of school.
Use the discussion questions provided in the attachment to guide the conversation.

Step 4

Closure and Quiz

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding inequalities in real-world contexts.
Administer a short quiz to assess students' understanding of the lesson's concepts.
Collect the quizzes and provide feedback in the next class.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Worksheet

Real-World Inequality Problems

This worksheet contains practical problems that require students to form and solve inequalities based on real-world scenarios.

A concert venue can hold up to 500 people. Write an inequality to represent the number of tickets that can be sold.

Consider the maximum capacity of the venue.

You have $50 to spend on school supplies. If each item costs $5, write an inequality to represent the number of items you can buy.

Think about the total cost not exceeding $50.

A car rental company requires drivers to be at least 21 years old. Write an inequality to represent the age requirement.

Consider the minimum age requirement.

Quiz

Inequality Applications Quiz