Many calculations in science, industry, and finance involve irrational numbers. Students need to be able to perform simple calculations with irrational numbers and to properly interpret the results. Although many questions can be solved adequately using approximate values, students should be able to work with exact representations of irrational numbers where possible.
Tables enable organized data to be recognized and facilitate calculations.
Provide students with a descriptive paragraph or set of written instructions for guessing a secret number, and have them work out the series of mathematical steps required. Ask them to confirm their process with a partner to test its accuracy. Give students a collection of sale papers and have them comparison shop for specific items. Have them place the results of the comparison in a table and underline the best price. Provide students with a basic spreadsheet template for calculating the cost of building a house.