Applied Problem Solving
📋 What it is
Use functions in multi-step real problems — set up the rule, compute, and interpret.
🗣️ Coach says
Applied problems hide a function inside a story. Find the rule ("costs $3 plus $2 each"), write it (c = 2n + 3), compute, then interpret the answer in the story's words. Set-up is the hard, important part.
🧠 Memory hook
Find the rule in the story → write the function → compute → answer in words.
😂 Giggle
What's a function's favorite movie genre?
Action — because there's always a transformation!
😲 Whoa!
Ride-share apps compute your fare with a function the instant you request a trip — base fare plus a per-mile rate.
✅ Quick check: A gym costs $20 to join plus $10 a month. Write the cost c after m months.
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
c = 10m + 20.
The monthly rate multiplies m, and the join fee is added once.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Write the function for "a $2 entry plus $1 per ride" at a fair, then find the cost of 5 rides.