The Contract — Teach Kids Why "No Setup Fee!" Isn't Always the Cheaper Deal (Grade 8 Math)

Which printer is actually cheaper — the one with "NO SETUP FEE!" or the one that charges a fee but less per shirt? In The Contract, a 3-day Grade 8 math mini mission from PATIENCE Learning, students use linear functions to find out — and learn to trust the break-even math over the banner. Day 1: Build a linear cost model for each vendor (Cost = setup + rate × n) and compare them at the real 150-shirt order. Day 2: Solve for the break-even point where the better deal flips — and interpret who wins on each side. Day 3: Use average cost per shirt to catch a misleading "lowest price" claim, then write the recommendation. It's the engagement of a real decision with the payoff of genuine critical thinking — graded on reasoning, not a single right answer. Get The Contract (3-day, $19) and the full PATIENCE Learning catalog at patiencelearning.com. They'll forget they're learning, but never stop thinking.