Chapter 2 Earning an Income
2.2
Alternative Ways to Earn Money
TIME REQUIRED FOR THIS SECTION:
1–2 CLASSES
STUDENT BOOK, pp. 64–71
MATH ON THE JOB
STUDENT BOOK, p. 64
Have a student read this section aloud to the
class. Introduce the ideas of self-employment and
piecework. Discuss with students the possible
advantages and disadvantages of both selfemployment and being paid on a piecework basis
(see chart on the right for some suggestions).
Explain that there is more than one way to
calculate pay for piecework and this example
reflects just one of those ways. Other industries
may calculate piecework using a simpler method
such as a rate for each item produced (often used,
for example, in manufacturing industries such as
the garment trade). Explain that this carpenter
has to calculate the points value of the work
he completes so that he can invoice the cabinet
company for the correct amount. Ask students
to work with a partner to solve the problem, and
review the solution with the class.
SOLUTION
Calculate the points for the standard cabinets.
Multiply the total points by the dollar value.
19.5 × $16.00 = $312.00
Henry will be paid $312.00.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Advantages
Disadvantages
•freedom to select
appealing jobs
•may not have enough
clients
•ability to set own
hours
•you may not like
self-promotion
•able to take time off
when desired
•you may not like
bookkeeping
•you’re your own boss
•you may find working
alone lonely
•you may prefer
working alone
•you don’t get paid
holidays or benefits
PIECEWORK
Advantages
Disadvantages
•can earn more if you
work quickly
•will earn less if you
don’t work quickly
•clear relationship
between output and
wages
•you may be tempted
to take shortcuts
•wages based on your
performance
•you may be tempted
to ignor safety
procedures
6 upper + 5 lower = 11 cabinets
•quantity emphasized
over quality
11 cabinets × 1 point = 11 points
Calculate the other points.
7 crowns + 6 toe kicks = 13
13 items × 0.5 points = 6.5 points
pantry = 2 points
Calculate the total number of points.
11 + 6.5 + 2 = 19.5
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION
Calculate the points for each piece installed
(cabinet plus toe kick plus crown moulding) and
find their total.
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