Buying and running a car

A PowerPoint resource developed for Core maths as an early introduction to Fermi Estimations and the problem solving cycle. 

Students are asked to identify and research the costs involved in passing the driving test, buying a car and running it. They will produce a spreadsheet to show the annual, monthly and weekly costs.

The final section is a short set of questions comparing journey times and fuel efficiency for different routes.

Extract:

So, you’re 17 and you want freedom, independence, and a nice shiny car.

Can you afford it?

What are the main costs you'll have to meet to get yourself on the road?

- driving lessons and a test

- buying a car

- running costs

Make a Fermi estimate of the total cost.

Reseach the actual cost and compare to your estimate.