Solving Currency Conversion Problems

P6 Mathematics - Term II, Topic 7

Lesson 4 of 4

Learning Objectives:

• Solve multi-step word problems involving currency conversion
• Choose the correct operation based on problem context
• Compare values in different currencies
• Apply all currency conversion skills
• Explain problem-solving processes clearly

Quick Review: The Complete Conversion Picture

UGX → Foreign = DIVIDE · Foreign → UGX = MULTIPLY

Exchange Rates (January 2025):

The Conversion Rules - Review

Key question: What currency are you starting with?

The Four-Step Problem-Solving Method

Multi-Step Problem 1: Guided Practice

Problem:
Amina has 45,000 Uganda Shillings. She converts half of it to US Dollars and the other half to British Pounds. How many US Dollars and British Pounds will she get?

Let's break this down together!

Multi-Step Problem 1: Understanding and Planning

UNDERSTAND: 45,000 Shs — half to USD, half to GBP
Rates: 1 USD = 3,750 Shs · 1 GBP = 4,850 Shs

PLAN — 3 steps:

1. 45,000 ÷ 2 → 22,500 Shs each
2. 22,500 ÷ 3,750 → USD
3. 22,500 ÷ 4,850 → GBP

Multi-Step Problem 1: Working and Answer

WORK:

• 45,000 ÷ 2 = 22,500 Shs for each
• 22,500 ÷ 3,750 = 6 USD ✓
• 22,500 ÷ 4,850 ≈ 4.6 → 4–5 GBP ✓

ANSWER: Amina gets 6 US Dollars and about 4–5 British Pounds

Multi-Step Problem 2: Group Work

Problem: A trader buys goods from Kenya worth 1,200 KES, paying in Uganda Shillings. He sells them and earns 40,000 Shs. What is his profit in Uganda Shillings?

Work in groups of 4-5 — 4 minutes:

• Use the four-step method
• Show all calculations

Multi-Step Problem 2: Group Work Solution

Given: Cost = 1,200 KES · Revenue = 40,000 Shs · Rate: 1 KES = 29 Shs

WORK:

1. Convert cost: 1,200 × 29 = 34,800 Shs
2. Profit = 40,000 − 34,800 = 5,200 Shs

ANSWER: The trader made a profit of 5,200 Uganda Shillings

Comparison Problem: Which Option is Better?

Problem:
Alice wants to save money for a trip. She has two options:

• Option 1: Save 10,000 Uganda Shillings
• Option 2: Save 3 US Dollars

Which option gives her more money in Uganda Shillings?
By how much?

Let's solve this together!

Comparison Problem Solution: Which Option Wins?

Rate: 1 USD = 3,750 Shs

Convert Option 2: 3 × 3,750 = 11,250 Shs

Compare: 11,250 vs 10,000 → Difference = 1,250 Shs

Option 2 (3 USD) gives more money — by 1,250 Shs!

Decision-Making Problem: Which Shirt to Buy?

Problem: James has 24,250 Shs. A shirt costs either:

• Option A: 5 British Pounds
• Option B: 6 US Dollars

Can he afford both? Which leaves him more money?

Work in pairs — 4 minutes!

Decision-Making Problem: James's Best Choice

James has 24,250 Shs. Rates: 1 GBP = 4,850 Shs · 1 USD = 3,750 Shs

Better choice: Option B (USD shirt) — he'll have 1,750 Shs left!

Tanzania Conversion Practice: Individual Work Now

Problem:
Peter travels to Tanzania with 12,000 Uganda Shillings. How many Tanzanian Shillings will he get?
(1 TZS = 1.60 Shs)

Work individually:

• Use the four-step method
• Show all working
• Write a complete answer

You have 2 minutes!

Tanzania Conversion Solution: How Many Shillings? ✓

Peter has 12,000 UGX · Rate: 1 TZS = 1.60 Shs

Converting UGX → TZS = DIVIDE:
12,000 ÷ 1.60 = 7,500 Tanzanian Shillings

He gets more TZS — the Tanzanian Shilling is weaker!

Real-Life Applications: Why This Matters

1. Travel & Tourism - Exchanging money abroad
2. International Trade - Imports and exports
3. Remittances - Money from relatives abroad
4. Education - Studying in foreign countries
5. Medical Treatment - Healthcare abroad
6. Online Shopping - International websites
7. Understanding News - Forex reports

Topic Summary: What We Learned About Money

Key Vocabulary from the Money Topic

• Currency - Money used in a particular country
• Exchange rate - Value of one currency compared to another
• Convert/Conversion - Changing money from one currency to another
• Forex bureau - Place where currencies are exchanged
• Remittance - Money sent from abroad
• Import - Buying goods from another country
• Export - Selling goods to another country

Remember: Foreign → UGX = Multiply · UGX → Foreign = Divide

Problem-Solving Strategy for Currency Problems

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What currency am I starting with? → UGX: divide · Foreign: multiply
2. What am I trying to find?
   • Amount in another currency? Convert!
   • Comparison? Convert both to same currency first!
   • Profit/Loss? Convert, then subtract!
3. Do I need multiple steps? → Break into smaller steps, one at a time
4. Does my answer make sense? → Check by working backwards or estimating

Practice: Identify Operations for Mixed Problems

What operation(s) would you use? Identify only — don't solve:

1. 20,000 Shs → USD?
2. Tourist has 8 GBP → Shs?
3. Compare: 15 USD vs 12 GBP — which is more?
4. Exchange 100 KES → Shs, then buy for 2,500 Shs. Change?

Answers: Which Operations for Each Problem? ✓

1. DIVIDE — UGX → Foreign
2. MULTIPLY — Foreign → UGX
3. MULTIPLY both, then COMPARE
4. MULTIPLY then SUBTRACT (multi-step!)

The pattern: identify what you have, then choose the operation.

Comprehensive Assessment: Show What You Know

Exercise book — 5 minutes:

1. 18 USD → Uganda Shillings
2. 17,400 Shs → Kenyan Shillings
3. 60,000 Shs split equally into USD and GBP. How many of each?
4. More valuable: 8 USD or 6 GBP?
5. 8,700 Shs → KES, spends 200 KES. Left?

Congratulations! You Completed Topic 7: Money!

You can now:
✓ Name currencies from different countries
✓ Read and understand exchange rates
✓ Convert UGX to foreign currencies (divide)
✓ Convert foreign currencies to UGX (multiply)
✓ Solve multi-step currency problems
✓ Compare values and make smart decisions

These are real-life skills for your entire life!

Why Currency Conversion Matters for Your Future

For your future:

• Personal finance - Managing money when you travel
• Business - Trading and entrepreneurship
• Education - Studying abroad
• Career - Banking, import-export, tourism
• Understanding the world - Following economic news

This is mathematics that connects you to Uganda's economy and the world!

Final Tips for Currency Conversion Success

1. Identify what currency you're starting with
2. Four-step method — use it every time
3. Show working — not just the answer
4. Check — multiply back or estimate
5. Practice — skills grow with use
6. Connect — notice currencies in real life

Keep your exchange rate chart!

Looking Beyond: What's Next in Mathematics?

In Secondary School you'll learn:

• Business arithmetic with percentages
• Profit, loss, and discount calculations
• More complex ratio and proportion
• Banking, interest, and savings
• Economic mathematics

The foundation you've built with currency conversion will help you understand all of these advanced topics!

Thank You for Your Hard Work!

Remember:

• Mathematics is not just numbers — it's solving real problems
• Currency conversion connects Uganda to the world
• The skills you learned empower you financially
• Keep practicing and using what you've learned

Review all four lessons to prepare for the topic test!

Homework: Sections A and B

Section A:

1. 14 GBP → Uganda Shillings
2. 34,500 Shs → Kenyan Shillings

Section B:
3. Ruth has 75,000 Shs, converts half to USD. How many?
4. Trader buys 5,000 TZS goods, sells for 10,000 Shs. Profit?

Show all working — use the four-step method!

Homework: Sections C and D

Section C:
5. Shop A: 7,500 Shs. Shop B: 2 USD. Cheaper? By how much?
6. Mark has 40,000 Shs, needs 1,500 KES. Enough? How much left?

Section D — Reflection (4-5 sentences):
7. When do we convert? How do you choose multiply or divide?

Total: 30-35 minutes