Lesson 3: Currency - Getting Into It

   Getting Into It

Here are some items you will need for this investigation:

  • computer
  • internet access

Have you ever purchased an item, such as a book or a magazine, and noticed that the price tag lists two or more prices?

One price is usually the cost of the item in Canadian funds (CAD) and the other price might be the cost in United States funds (USD). The two prices are set by comparing the value of the two currencies (exchange rates).

Currency exchange rates must be considered when travelling to other countries. To purchase items in another country, you will usually need to use that country's currency.

Access an online currency converter by entering the search term currency converter in a search engine. Use a converter that is from a Canadian bank, if possible.

Task 1


Convert 100 Canadian dollars to these currencies:

Mexican peso:
American dollar:
Japanese Yen :
European Euro:

   Points to Ponder

Did you notice that the Canadian Dollar is worth a different amount of each country's currency? Why do you suppose the Canadian dollar can be worth different amounts, depending on which country you are in?


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