

Topic: Number and Algebra
Level: IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (SL)
File Type: Editable Slides / Worksheet
Overview
This resource explores real-world financial applications of geometric sequences and series, focusing on compound interest and depreciation.
It connects mathematical models to everyday financial contexts, helping students understand how repeated percentage changes can be represented as geometric progressions.
Students will learn to calculate compound interest, determine future values of investments, and solve for time, rate, or amount using both formulas and technology. The lesson includes calculator-based problem solving using the TI-nspire Finance Solver.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Apply geometric sequence and series concepts to real-world financial problems.
- Use compound interest formulas to calculate future investment values.
- Determine the time required for an investment to reach a given value.
- Use technology (GDC Finance Solver) to solve problems involving compound interest and depreciation.
- Interpret financial parameters such as present value, future value, interest rate, and compounding periods.
What’s Included
- Introductory problem involving a $100 investment at 4% interest to illustrate compound growth.
- Step-by-step derivation of the compound interest formula as an application of geometric sequences.
- Detailed walkthrough of TI-nspire Finance Solver shortcuts, including parameter meanings (N, I, PV, Pmt, FV, PpY, CpY).
- Connection between geometric sequences and compound interest.
- Formula for compound growth and decay.
- Future value and present value relationships.
- Using compounding periods and interpreting financial variables.
- Solving for unknown values in financial formulas.
- Technology integration through TI-nspire Finance Solver.
Why You’ll Love It
- Bridges mathematical theory with financial literacy and real-world application.
- Clear structure and logical flow from concept introduction to calculator methods.
- Perfectly aligned with IB Math AI SL Topic 1: Number and Algebra.
- Encourages both manual and technology-based problem solving.
- Ready-to-teach formatting with consistent “fade in” transitions and visual clarity.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
This resource hasn't been reviewed yet
To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it
Report this resourceto let us know if it violates our terms and conditions.
Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.