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Day 9 — A model for a constrained decisionYear 7 Maths · T1 W1–2 · Day 9 lesson

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Year 7 / Term 1 / Weeks 01 02 / Mathematics

Part of the full two-week lesson sequence. Check the pack guide and taught point before teaching.

Open for this lesson: Sources and materials · Check guide.

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Teacher copy: This page may include teaching prompts or answer keys. Answer keys in this public library can be viewed by anyone. Give learners a clean prompt, use checks as formative evidence, and change a case locally when prior access matters.

Codes: AC9M7N06, AC9M7N09, AC9M7N05. Goal: formulate and check a practical rational-number calculation. Prepare: fictional $120 event brief; no real purchase or club funds.

  1. Read · 2 min. “A fictional community event has $120 for two listed costs: $38.40 transport and $46.75 materials. How much remains?” Ask what quantities are known and unknown.
  2. Estimate · 5 min. Approximate $120 − $40 − $47 ≈ $33; label estimate. Say exact remainder should be near this, not negative or above $120.
  3. Model · 6 min. Add costs: $38.40 + $46.75 = $85.15; subtract $120.00 − $85.15 = $34.85. Check $85.15 + $34.85 = $120.00. State $34.85 remains and that a budget does not tell us whether the event is worthwhile.
  4. Partner alternative · 7 min. Pairs use a different valid strategy, e.g. subtract transport first: $120 − $38.40 = $81.60; then $81.60 − $46.75 = $34.85. Ask which steps are easy to explain to a committee reader. A calculator can verify after the two methods are visible.
  5. Interpret · 3 min. Ask: “Can we add another $40 item?” No, not within $34.85 remaining. Ask what else a real organiser would need to know; do not invent tax or prices.
  6. Exit · 2 min. Everyone gives remainder with unit and one check. Focus learners explain why the rounded estimate differs from the exact answer.

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