(Old) Fuel Economy

Are hybrid cars worth the extra cost?

Login to add lessons to your favorites

(Old) Fuel Economy

Are hybrid cars worth the extra cost?

Login to add lessons to your favorites

A newer, better version of this lesson is available! Explore all updated lessons here, or read more about the updates in Our Community.

2023-2024 Versions

In the fall of 2024, Citizen Math released updated versions of every lesson in our library, plus a few new ones! We know you may have already prepped an earlier version or planned a repeat of last year, so we're continuing to make these earlier versions available through Thursday December 5, 2024.

You can find the new lessons through the regular search, and we hope you love them as much as we do. You can read more about these updates in Our Community.

Click here for the updated version of this lesson!

Are hybrid cars worth the extra cost? Many vehicles are available with both standard gas-powered engines or hybrids. While the hybrid models require less gas and are better for the environment, they may initially cost thousands of dollars more.

In this lesson, students use linear equations to compare the costs of driving a car with a standard engine versus a hybrid engine and debate whether new buyers should always go green

REAL WORLD TAKEAWAYS

  • Hybrid cards use an electric motor at slower speeds which burns less fuel, causing less air pollution, than a gas powered one.
  • Hybrids cars typically cost more up front than their standard versions but require buying less gas to travel the same distance.
  • Which car is a better deal depends on how much one drives, how those miles are divided over the city and highway, and how long they plan to keep the car.

MATH OBJECTIVES

  • Write and solve equations to solve real-world questions
  • Compare proportional relationships represented in different forms including: tables, graphs, and equations

Appropriate most times as students are developing conceptual understanding.
Grade 8
Solving Linear Equations
Grade 8
Solving Linear Equations
Content Standards
Mathematical Practices

Other Grade 8 Lessons