ACTIVITY 1G: THEN AND NOW
Description
Students compare and order stock prices in fraction and decimal forms.
Math Objectives
The student will be able to:
• Compare decimals to mixed numbers
• Order decimals and mixed numbers
• Express a statement using appropriate mathematical symbols
Stock Market Concepts
Decimalization
Stock Prices
Connections and Extensions
Math: Students write their own mathematical expressions in word (expanded) form then exchange
with another student who will translate the expression into numerical form. Students exchange again
and discuss the accuracy of the expressions. (Example: one and one-third is greater than one would be
translated to 11/3 > 1.)
Writing: Students respond to the prompt, “Would you prefer to have stock prices listed in fraction or
decimal form? Why?”
Research: Students research the origin of the base 10 decimal system and other numbering systems.
Potential questions to answer include:
Who developed it?
When was it developed?
Why was it developed?
How was it used?
Is it still used today? If so, how?
ACTIVITY 1G: THEN AND NOW
Many investors purchased stocks when prices were listed in fractions. Now they must compare these
prices to the current decimal version. Determine which stock price is greater in each pair below by
completing each statement with the appropriate symbol (<, >, or =).
1. 32½ _____ 32.5
2. 35/8 _____ 3.6
3. 12.4 _____ 123/16
4. 193/8 _____ 19.6
5. 21.75 _____ 21¾
6. 72¼ _____ 72.25
7. 261/8 _____ 26.10
Place the stock prices below in order from least to greatest.
8. $32.50, $321/3, $315/8, $35¼
9. $4¼, $3.95, $37/16, $4.30
10. $27.30, $27.34, $271/3
11. $1001/8, $100.10, $1001/5
Re-write the statements below using the appropriate mathematical symbols.
12. A stock’s old price of $421/8 is more than the current price of $41.10
13. A stock selling for $33.50 has the same value as one that used to be $331/2.
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