Objectives: Students in MTH 154 are required to:

Use mathematical methods of analysis to understand the requirements of a problem, create an equation or program that allows prediction and interpretation of quantitative elements of the problem and solution (including limitations of each), and critique the resulting mathematical model for accuracy and validity.

Assemble measurements and data gathered into tables, displays, charts, and simple graphs.

Starting with a verbally described requirement, generate an appropriate mathematical approach to creating a useful mathematical model for analysis.

Project Directions:

This project will have more meaning to you the more it reflects your real life. However, I am not asking to provide me with your personal information. You can use this to create a budget for your future life based on your plans of a future job, future housing, expenses, etc. I assure you that, should you choose to include personal values, I will be assessing your work only on if it was accurately represented and interpreted. Please work to be realistic so you can gain from the experience. There will never be any judgement made on my part nor any information shared out.

 Construct a budget sheet that assists you in analyzing your financial status, set goals, make changes, whatever the case may be.

 Your sheet should address both regular and unexpected monthly expenses, necessities and luxuries, and any debts/savings plans.

 Your first sheet should create a baseline budget of your “current/future” expenses (list what you spend/think you will spend each month for each category without regard to if you balance) and then make adjustments to your allotments to create a balanced monthly and yearly budget or one that is more comfortable.

 Your second sheet should be a monthly tracking sheet for each category that tracks your expenses for one year and compares your actual expenses to your planned budget by category and month. In sheet two enter your first few months you have tracked and continue to track for the next few months.

 Sheet 3 will be your reflection as described below.

 Provide visually appealing formatting to allow for quick differentiation among the categories and for quick

location of individual budget items.

 Provide visually appealing and correct formatting to allow for ease of data entry without disrupting the form or

function of the budget. (What if electrical is $150 not $125 a month?)

 Accurately calculate your totals in each category in dollars and percentage of total. (So how much spent on

groceries in year?)

 Accurately calculate your final expenses and savings as new credits/debits are added to the table.

 Create one or two charts (graphs) on each sheet that show the budget trends such as expenses and deposits or

categories and months.

 You are required to review at least two classmates’ projects in Bb and post a substantive reply to each (5 points

for each reply). “Good Job” or “I didn’t think of that” will not do. You must post a follow-up question, an observation, make a suggestion, or apply some additional insight to what your classmate has posted. It is NOT your place to point out or correct errors. If you find an error that needs correcting, email your instructor for verification and the instructor will contact the student if your observation is correct