Car vs. Uber: The 3-Year Cost Challenge
Read the question: Is it cheaper to buy your own car, or shareride everywhere? 1. Pick a used car. Write this linear rule: y = 300x + 1000. Linear rule means the same amount changes each month. Find the total after 12 months. Find the total after 36 months. 2. Look at Uber costs. Write this exponential rule: y = 5000(1.10)^t. Exponential rule means the amount grows by the same percent. Find the cost for Year 1. Find the cost for Year 2. Find the cost for Year 3. 3. Answer one question. Which option is cheaper after 3 years? Which option would you actually want? Write 2 to 4 short sentences. Turn in your answers on one page. I can write a linear rule. I can write an exponential rule. I can compare both costs and make a choice.
What you do
| # | What you do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consider: Is it actually cheaper to buy your own car, or should you just shareride everywhere? | 3 min |
| 2 | Pick a used car and write its make and model. | 4 min |
| 3 | Write y = 300x + 1000 and find totals for 12 and 36 months. | 11 min |
| 4 | Use y = 5000(1.10)^t to find yearly costs using t = 0, 1, and 2. | 11 min |
| 5 | Add the three Uber costs and compare that sum with the 36-month car cost. | 6 min |
| 6 | Write two to four sentences naming the cheaper option and the option you would want. | 8 min |
| 7 | Check your math and turn in your answers on one page. | 2 min |
| Total | 45 mins |
Student Instructions
Ask: Is it cheaper to buy a car, or should you shareride everywhere?
Pick a used car and write \(y=300x+1000\). Find costs when \(x=12\) and \(x=36\).
Write \(y=5000(1.10)^t\). Find yearly costs using \(t=0,1,2\).
Add all three Uber costs. Compare that total with the 36-month car cost.
Write two to four sentences explaining the cheaper option and your preferred option.
Success Criteria
- I can write the linear rule and find car costs for 12 and 36 months.
- I can use the exponential rule to find Uber costs for three years.
- I can compare both three-year costs and explain which option I would choose.