Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

Percentage is a mathematical resource that arises from the need to compare quantities. It comes from the Latin "per centum," which means "per hundred." In other words, when we talk about percentages, we are talking about parts of a hundred. So, if we had a quantity divided into a hundred parts and took some of these parts, the quantity of these parts would be determined as a percentage.

Working with percentages requires mastering a series of mathematical concepts. This includes understanding fractions, decimals, and ratios, as well as multiplication and division skills. It is also important to understand how to translate real-world problems and situations into mathematical language in order to apply these skills.

Percentages are quite versatile and can be used to express increases and decreases, proportions, rates, and many other types of numerical relationships. We can find them in many different contexts, such as financial calculations, statistics, interest rates, discounts in stores, and even in comparing the results of an election poll.

Contextualization

In the real world, percentages are present in a range of everyday situations, often without us realizing it. In the supermarket, for example, we come across discounts expressed in percentages. In finance, interest rates, taxes, salary adjustments, inflation, and many other components are expressed in percentage terms.

Furthermore, in school, percentages are often used to calculate grades and averages. In sports, the efficiency of players and teams is also calculated in percentages, as well as in opinion polls or in tracking goals in a company. Therefore, understanding and knowing how to use percentages is essential for the understanding and analysis of various situations in different areas of life.

Atividade Prática: "Unveiling Percentages in the Market"

Objective

The main objective of this practical project is to unveil the percentage found in common commercial situations and understand its application in the real world. We will explore the relationship between mathematics and economics by creating our imaginary market.

Description

Students will create their imaginary market, "School Market," composed of different stores and products. Each group will be responsible for a sector of the market (e.g., clothing, food, school supplies, and appliances). Throughout the project, students will apply key percentage concepts to calculate prices with discounts, rates, profits, and other financial aspects.

This interdisciplinary project involves both Mathematics and Financial Education, allowing students to explore theoretical concepts in a practical and realistic context.

The project will be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students and should last approximately three weeks, with each participant contributing at least twelve hours of work.

Necessary Materials

1. Paper and pencil for calculations.
2. Materials to create a visual representation of the market (cardboard, colored pencils, markers, etc.).
3. Auxiliary calculator for more complex calculations.

Step by Step

1. Divide the class into groups and assign each group a sector of the market.
2. Each group will create a list of at least ten products for their sector and set a base price for each one.
3. Students will apply a percentage discount to some of their products. They need to calculate the new price after the discount.
4. For each product, students must calculate the profit margin in percentage.
5. Students will create a visual representation of their market, including the products, original prices, discounts, and discounted prices.
6. Finally, each group will present their market, explaining their choices and the percentage calculations made.

Deliverables and Written Document

Students will deliver the visual representation of their market and make an oral presentation to the class.

In addition, each group must write a document with the following topics:

1. Introduction: Explain why percentages are relevant in the real world and how they are used in the context of a market, as well as the objective of this project.

2. Development: Explain the percentage theory, the activity in detail, the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained. Each percentage calculation used (discounts, profit margin, etc.) must be explained in detail, with examples. They should also include the difficulties encountered and how they were resolved.

3. Conclusion: Summarize the main points of the project, explaining the learnings obtained, the conclusions drawn about the project, and how percentages can be applied in their lives outside of school.

4. Bibliography: Indicate the sources consulted for the project's development, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

This activity allows students to apply the theory of percentages in a practical market scenario, which contributes to a better understanding of the concept and its application in the real world.