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Subjects

• Math

Grade

• 3-5
• 6-8
• 9-12
• Gifted & Talented

Brief Description

Students figure out whether it's more profitable to start with a penny and double their money every day for a month or to accept $1 million on the first of the month.

Objectives

Students calculate whether it is possible to earn $1 million or more in one month.

Keywords

fun, puzzle, brainteaser, calculation, computation

Materials Needed

• calculators (at least one per group), paper, pens or pencils

Lesson Plan

• Motivation: Pose this question to students: "Suppose someone offered to pay you one penny on the first day of the month, then double your wages each day for 29 more days OR $1million to work on a special project. Which would you choose?" Solicit responses from students.

Assessment

Evaluate students on their participation and their reactions upon completing the lesson.

Lesson Plan Source

Education World

Submitted By

Marguerite Arseneaux

National Standards

Math:
NM.5-8.1
NM.5-8.7
NM.9-12.2
NM.9-12.1

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