In this episode of Algebra Applications, students explore the dramatic events of 2008 related to the mortgage crisis. Brought about principally through mortgage defaults, the effect on the overall economy was severe. Yet, this situation offers an ideal case study for the exploration of key concepts in data analysis and probability. By exploring these questions students get a front row seat to the historical events of the world s largest economy. What is a mortgage? The time value of money is at the basis of all loans. Students learn about the key factors that determine monthly mortgage payments and use the TI-Nspire to create an amortization table. This table is used throughout the rest of the program to explore different scenarios. What is a subprime mortgage? Having learned the general features of a mortgage, students learn the specifics of a subprime mortgage. With this comes the notion of a credit score, and with credit scores come the probabilities for a loan default. Students use the amortization table to run probability simulations to determine possible loan defaults on subprime mortgages. What is an adjustable rate mortgage? Another factor in the mortgage crisis was the use of adjustable rate mortgages Students run a number of scenarios to test adjustable rate mortgages, while also taking into account the state of the housing market during the time of the mortgage crisis.