Consumer Math

Tutor – Julie Snow

Course Description

Consumer mathematics addresses the application of mathematical principles to everyday life. The
curriculum encompasses topics such as budgeting, banking, taxation, purchasing homes and
vehicles, and planning vacations. It emphasizes math used in real-world applications and critical
thinking. As students transition from school to adulthood, they are faced with the responsibility of
managing their own finances. This class primarily focuses on personal finance management,
including comprehending credit card charges, completing income tax forms, understanding loan and
saving interest, and creating budgets. Each section is designed to prepare students to make practical
and prudent financial decisions. **Please consult with your umbrella school if you plan to count
this course as a math credit.

Required Text

Title: Consumer Math 3rd edition BJU Press Student Text
ISBN: 978-1-62856-641-3

Prerequisites / Grade Levels

  • This course is intended for high school students, specifically those in grades 11-12.
  • While we will review some math skills in the beginning, students should have a good foundation of middle school math concepts as well as some Algebra 1 concepts.
  • Students should be able to perform online research

Difficulty Level

This class is at an “average” difficulty level.

Additional Materials Needed for Class

Students will need a basic calculator with the following key functions (Example: TI-30XS but there are other brands that will work as well as more advanced calculators):

  • Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division: These basic arithmetic operations are essential for solving various financial problems.
  • Percentage Calculations: This function is crucial for calculating discounts, interest rates, and other percentage-based financial scenarios.
  • Memory Functions: These functions help store and recall values, which can be useful for multi-step calculations.
  • Square Root: This function may be needed for certain financial calculations involving square roots.
  • Exponentiation: This function is important for calculating compound interest and other exponential growth scenarios.