Defining appropriate units

The  exercise appears under the Algebra I Math Mission. This exercise uses dimensional analysis to understand the meaning of units and how to use units to solve problems.

Types of Problems
There are three types of problems in this exercise:


 * 1) Select the useful information: This problem provides a word problem and a question about the word problem. The student is asked to select which pieces of information would be useful to arrive at the answer to the problem.Dau1.png
 * 2) Select the most useful information: This problem provides a contextual situation and unlike the first problem, this one asks the student to figure out the "best" piece of information that can be used to solve the problem.Dau2.png
 * 3) Purchase the right amount: This problem provides volume, concentration and price for several mixtures. The student is asked to determine the best answer to a couple of different applications using the information.Dau3.png

Strategies
Knowledge of ratios, conversions and units would help to ensure that this exercise is completed accurately and efficiently.
 * 1) Research indicates that only one of the selections from the second problem type works, thereby making it the "best."
 * 2) A listing option in a calculator can be used to convert measurement conveniently on Purchase the right amount.

Real-life Applications

 * 1) The third problem type in particular has obvious ramifications for shopping and disposal of waste in laboratory settings.