Game of Life Workbook Project The Game of Life
Financial Algebra Project Portfolio
NAME:
PERIOD:
Phase 0: Career Draft
Select one career option below. Your choice determines your "Starting Monthly Net" and your "Guaranteed Monthly Raise" (slope).
Graphic Designer
Monthly Net: $3,200
Raise: +$100 / month
Mechanical Engineer
Monthly Net: $4,800
Raise: +$150 / month
School Teacher
Monthly Net: $3,500
Raise: +$80 / month
Electrician
Monthly Net: $4,100
Raise: +$120 / month
MY CHOSEN CAREER:
Phase 1: The New Adult
Linear Equations & Functions
TASK 1.1
The Housing Hunt
Calculate the total cost for 12 months using: \[Total = (Rent \times Months) + Security Deposit\]
Option A: Urban Studio
Rent: $1,200/mo | Deposit: $500
Cost (12m): $____________
Option B: Suburban Suite
Rent: $950/mo | Deposit: $1,800
Cost (12m): $____________
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE (x)
Time (Months)
DEPENDENT VARIABLE (y)
Your Housing Equation (y = mx + b)
y = ______ x + ______
Slope (m): _________
Context: Monthly cost added for every month lived in the apartment.
Y-Intercept (b): _________
Context: The one-time "move-in" cost paid at Month 0.
Monthly Ledger
Description Amount MONTHLY NET INCOME (Salary) + $____________ Rent (Variable based on choice) - $____________ Utilities (Flat Rate) - $180.00 Internet & Mobile Data - $120.00 Groceries & Household Goods - $450.00 Entertainment / Discretionary - $____________ MONTHLY SAVINGS (y-intercept for savings) = $____________
The Savings Model
Model your total savings \( S \) over \( m \) months. (Slope is your savings per month).
S = ______ m
The $10k Challenge
Solve for \( m \): How many months to save $10,000?
Phase 2: The Commute
TASK 2.1
OPTION 1: GAS GUZZLER
Deposit: $1,000 | Monthly: $450
Equation: y = 450x + 1000
OPTION 2: HYBRID HERO
Deposit: $4,000 | Monthly: $200
Equation: y = 200x + 4000
Algebraic Substitution: Find the Intersection
Step 1: Set equations equal 450x + 1000 = 200x + 4000
Show Work Here
Intersection at Month: ________
Phase 3: The Credit Trap
Life Happens: Surprise Bill
You charged $2,500 to a credit card at 18% interest compounded monthly. You make $0 payments to see how much it grows.
Calculation Table (No Payments Made)
Timeline Formula Setup \(A = P(1+r/n)^{nt}\) Total Owed Month 0 Principal Balance $2,500.00 Year 1 (t=1) \(2500(1+0.18/12)^{12}\) $____________ Year 2 (t=2) \(2500(1+0.18/12)^{24}\) $____________
The Debt Analysis
"Why does the debt increase faster in Year 2 than it did in Year 1?" Use the term Exponential Growth in your answer.
Graph Paper: Final Models
X - Axis (Months / Years)
Y - Axis (Total Value / Debt)
Use this page for your System Comparison or your Final Forecast Trend Line.
Phase 4: Final Audit
Classroom Data Sample
Classmate Monthly Salary (x) Monthly Savings (y) Self Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4
1. Trend Interpretation
Draw a Line of Best Fit for your data on the graph paper (Page 6). What does the slope of that trend line represent in terms of the class economy?
2. Final Reflection Prompt
"Based on your linear savings model and exponential debt, where will you be in 5 years? What variables (the 'hidden slopes') could change your financial health?"
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CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This certifies that
___________________________________
has successfully navigated the Game of Life project,
Date Issued
Instructor Signature
© 2026 Adulting Simulator | 8th Grade Mathematics
Career Launch Slides Phase 1 Welcome to Adulthood
Phase 1: The New Adult & Linear Equations
8 Days
Project Duration
$1,000,000
Potential Wealth
Anatomy of a Bill
Fixed Costs
The "Starting Value" / Y-Intercept (b)
One-time fees or base connections.
Variable Costs
The "Rate of Change" / Slope (m)
Monthly rent, usage per kWh, etc.
Linear Function:
y = mx + b
Choose Your Future
Graphic Designer
Monthly Net: $3,200
Raise: +$100 / mo
Mechanical Engineer
Monthly Net: $4,800
Raise: +$150 / mo
School Teacher
Monthly Net: $3,500
Raise: +$80 / mo
Electrician
Monthly Net: $4,100
Raise: +$120 / mo
The Housing Equation
Option A: Urban
$500 Deposit (b)
$1,200 Rent (m)
y = 1200x + 500
Predicting the Future:
"If you live here for 3 years (36 months), what is your total cost?"
Substitute 36 for x and solve for y!
Phase 1 Checklist
01
Choose Career
Record Salary & Raise
02
Pick Housing
Write Linear Equation
03
Monthly Ledger
Calculate Year 1 Savings
Open your Workbooks to Page 1 to begin.
Game of Life Workbook Revised The Game of Life
Financial Algebra Project Portfolio
NAME:
PERIOD:
Phase 0: Career Draft
Select one career option below. Your choice determines your "Starting Monthly Net" and your "Guaranteed Monthly Raise" (slope).
Graphic Designer
Monthly Net: $3,200
Raise: +$100 / month
Mechanical Engineer
Monthly Net: $4,800
Raise: +$150 / month
School Teacher
Monthly Net: $3,500
Raise: +$80 / month
Electrician
Monthly Net: $4,100
Raise: +$120 / month
MY CHOSEN CAREER:
Phase 1: The New Adult
Linear Equations & Functions
TASK 1.1
The Housing Hunt
Calculate the total cost for 12 months using the formula:
Total = (Rent × Months) + Security Deposit
Option A: Urban Studio
Rent: $1,200/mo | Deposit: $500
Cost (12m): $____________
Option B: Suburban Suite
Rent: $950/mo | Deposit: $1,800
Cost (12m): $____________
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE (x)
Time (Months)
DEPENDENT VARIABLE (y)
Your Housing Equation (y = mx + b)
y = ______ x + ______
Slope (m): _________
Meaning: Monthly cost added for every month lived in the apartment.
Y-Intercept (b): _________
Meaning: The fixed "move-in" cost paid at Month 0.
Monthly Ledger
Description Amount MONTHLY NET INCOME (Salary) + $____________ Rent (Variable based on choice) - $____________ Utilities (Flat Rate) - $180.00 Internet & Mobile Data - $120.00 Groceries & Household Goods - $450.00 Entertainment / Discretionary - $____________ MONTHLY SAVINGS (Potential) = $____________
The Savings Model
Write a linear function for your total savings (S) after (m) months. Assume you save the amount calculated above every month.
S = ______ m
Financial Goal
If you want to save exactly $10,000, how many months will it take? Show your division below.
Road to Work Slides Revised The Commute
Phase 2: Systems of Equations & Break-Even Points
Choosing Transportation
Gas Guzzler
Deposit: $1,000 (b)
Monthly: $450 (m)
y = 450x + 1000
Eco Efficient
Deposit: $4,000 (b)
Monthly: $200 (m)
y = 200x + 4000
The Break-Even Calculation
STEP 1: Set them equal
450x + 1000 = 200x + 4000
STEP 2: Subtract 200x
250x + 1000 = 4000
STEP 3: Divide 250 into 3000
x = 12 Months
Visual Proof
12 Months
YEAR 1:
The Gas Guzzler is cheaper for the first 11 months.
YEAR 2+:
The Eco Efficient is the smarter long-term move.
Road to Work Slides Final The Commute
Phase 2: Systems of Equations & Break-Even Points
Transportation Logic
Gas Guzzler
Deposit: $1,000
Monthly: $450
y = 450x + 1000
Hybrid Hero
Deposit: $4,000
Monthly: $200
y = 200x + 4000
Algebraic Break-Even
Setup: 450x + 1000 = 200x + 4000
STEP 1
Subtract 200x from both sides
250x + 1000 = 4000
STEP 2
Subtract 1000 & Divide
x = 12
(Months until costs are equal)
Visual Proof
Time (Months)
Total Cost ($)
12 Months
Year 1 Winner:
The Gas Guzzler is cheaper for short-term use.
Year 2+ Winner:
The Hybrid pays off after month 12.
Interest Island Slides Revised The Credit Trap
Phase 3: Exponential Growth & Compound Interest
Algebraic Growth Comparison
Linear
Constant amount added per month.
y = mx + b
Used for: Rent, Salary, Bill Base Fees
Exponential
Fixed percentage multiplied per month.
y = a(b)^x
Used for: Credit Cards, Student Loans, Savings
The Debt Formula
A = P(1 + r/n)nt
P
Principal
r
Annual Rate
n
Compounds
t
Time (Years)
Life Happens Case
Surprise medical bill: $2,500 18% APR (0.18)Monthly (n=12)
Calculating Year 1 Total (t=1):
A = 2500(1 + 0.18/12)12 × 1
Total Owed: $2,989.03
Interest Island Slides Final The Credit Trap
Phase 3: Exponential Growth & Compound Interest
Growth Models
Linear
Adds a constant amount periodically.
y = mx + b
Used for: Rent, Salary, Fixed Fees
Exponential
Multiplies by a constant rate periodically.
y = a(b)x
Used for: Interest, Debt, Savings
The Debt Accumulator
A = P(1 + r/n) nt
P
Principal
r
Annual Rate
n
Compounds
t
Time (Yrs)
Life Happens Crisis
WARNING
Surprise medical bill: $2,500 18% APR (0.18)Monthly (n=12)
Year 1 Calculation
Substitution:
A = 2500(1 + 0.18/12) 12 × 1
Balance: $2,989.03
Future Forecast Slides Revised The Final Audit
Phase 4: Data Patterns, Correlation & Predictions
Identifying Relationships
Positive
As X increases, Y increases.
Ex: Higher salary = Higher monthly savings.
Negative
As X increases, Y decreases.
Ex: More debt = Lower net worth.
None
No clear relationship between variables.
Ex: Hair color vs Savings rate.
Line of Best Fit
A trend line that averages the data points to help us predict values outside our current data set.
Slope Meaning:
"For every $1 increase in salary, our class saves an average of $0.15."
A Strong Positive Trend
The 5-Year Forecast
If your savings model is S = 150m , what is your projected net worth in 5 years (60 months)?
Calculation:
150 × 60 = $9,000
But don't forget Phase 3...
Subtract Your Debt!
The Final Reflection
"Your slope is your power. Your y-intercept is your start. Where will the line of your life take you?"
DUE TOMORROW:
Final Portfolio & 1-Page Algebraic Reflection Essay
Project Audit Checklist
Monthly Ledger
Car Comparison
Debt Calculation
Final Forecast
Great work, adults.
Future Forecast Slides Final The Final Audit
Phase 4: Data Patterns, Correlation & Predictions
Identifying Relationships
Positive
As X increases, Y increases.
Example:
Higher Salary → Higher Savings
Negative
As X increases, Y decreases.
Example:
More Debt → Lower Net Worth
No Pattern
No clear relationship between variables.
Example:
Hair Color vs Bank Balance
Trend Modeling
A trend line averages your data to help you forecast future wealth.
Contextual Slope:
"For every $1 extra you earn, our class trend shows a savings increase of $0.15."
A Strong Positive Trend
Projecting 60 Months
Use your linear savings model (S = m · x) to predict your wealth.
Prediction Step:
$150 × 60 = $9,000
Subtract Your Debt!
Don't forget the medical debt from Phase 3. Subtract it from your total wealth.
Final Portfolio
"Your models tell a story of where you are going. Your reflection tells the story of how you will handle the variables."
The Visuals
3 Graphs: Linear, System, & Exponential
The Reflection
1-Page Essay on long-term slopes & variables.
Mission Accomplished
"You have survived adulthood (at least the math version)."
Phase 4 Complete | Success Rate: 100%
