Use formulas and compare options
Build a transparent calculation that compares options without hiding assumptions or changing the answer through formatting.
Calculating Wages: The Pay-Rate-Hour Triangle
From TabletClass Math. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
During the course primer, listen for ideas that change how you approach “Use formulas and compare options.” Pause once to capture a useful point, then apply it while producing a transparent comparison table with formulas or written arithmetic, assumptions, sensitivity check, and recommendation.What this lesson is really solving.
Build a transparent calculation that compares options without hiding assumptions or changing the answer through formatting. This is lesson 5 because later decisions depend on a transparent comparison table with formulas or written arithmetic, assumptions, sensitivity check, and recommendation. A formula is a reusable explanation; another person should be able to inspect the inputs and reproduce it. Use your own numbers, files, environment, and constraints so the result survives outside the course.
Understand the idea before touching the steps.
A formula is a reusable explanation; another person should be able to inspect the inputs and reproduce it.
Follow these steps in order.
Take the action in each step; then use the deliverable below to prove the lesson is finished.
- 1
Write the question, inputs, units, formula, and decision threshold in plain language before entering values.
- 2
Calculate two or three options, preserve the original inputs, and test a high and low assumption.
- 3
Check totals, units, rounding, and whether the comparison is fair across the same time and scope.
See the standard in context.
Jordan compares two training commutes using weekly travel time and cost, then tests a winter delay assumption before choosing. The learner saves a transparent comparison table with formulas or written arithmetic, assumptions, sensitivity check, and recommendation and notes the evidence or assumption behind the choice so it can be reviewed and improved later.
Inspect before you move on.
- The finished work visibly includes a transparent comparison table with formulas or written arithmetic, assumptions, sensitivity check, and recommendation.
- You tested the work against this common failure: Changing the inputs to make a preferred option win or comparing totals from different timeframes.
- Another person could verify this mastery standard: A reviewer can change one assumption and understand why the recommendation changes or stays the same.
Your deliverable
A transparent comparison table with formulas or written arithmetic, assumptions, sensitivity check, and recommendation.
Watch for this
Changing the inputs to make a preferred option win or comparing totals from different timeframes.
Prove it—don’t just recognize it.
A reviewer can change one assumption and understand why the recommendation changes or stays the same.
Quick knowledge check
Answer from the lesson—not from confidence alone. Score at least 2 of 3 to unlock completion.
This curriculum-aligned check is scored automatically and stored with your account when signed in. It is an objective learning signal, but it has not yet been independently validated as a standardized assessment.
Tools, templates, and references
Pass the knowledge check above first.
Completion unlocks after a score of 2 out of 3. Then confirm that you produced the lesson deliverable.
Go to the knowledge check