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Addition in Applications

Now that we have practiced adding whole numbers, let’s use what we’ve learned to solve real-world problems. We’ll start by outlining a plan. First, we need to read the problem to determine what we are looking for. Then we write a word phrase that gives ...

Add Whole Numbers in Applications

Now that we have practiced adding whole numbers, let’s use what we’ve learned to solve real-world problems. We’ll start by outlining a plan. First, we need to read the problem to determine what we are looking for. Then we write a word phrase that gives the information to find it. Next we translate the word phrase into math notation and then simplify. Finally, we write a sentence to answer the question.

Example

Hao earned grades of \(87, 93, 68, 95,\) and \(89\) on the five tests of the semester. What is the total number of points he earned on the five tests?

Solution

We are asked to find the total number of points on the tests.

Write a phrase. the sum of points on the tests
Translate to math notation. \(87 + 93 + 68 + 95 + 89\)
Then we simplify by adding.
Since there are several numbers, we will write them vertically.

\begin{array}{r}
\overset{3}{8}7 \\
93 \\
68 \\
95 \\
+\;89 \\
\hline
432 \\
\end{array}
Write a sentence to answer the question. Hao earned a total of \(432\) points.

Notice that we added points, so the sum is \(432\) points. It is important to include the appropriate units in all answers to applications problems.

Some application problems involve shapes. For example, a person might need to know the distance around a garden to put up a fence or around a picture to frame it. The perimeter is the distance around a geometric figure. The perimeter of a figure is the sum of the lengths of its sides.

Example

Find the perimeter of the patio shown.

This is an image of a perimeter of a patio. There are six sides. The far left side is labeled 4 feet, the top side is labeled 9 feet, the right side is short and labeled 2 feet, then extends across to the left and is labeled 3 feet. From here, the side extends down and is labeled 2 feet. Finally, the base is labeled 6 feet.

Solution

We are asked to find the perimeter.
Write a phrase. the sum of the sides
Translate to math notation. \(4 + 6 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 9\)
Simplify by adding. \(26\)
Write a sentence to answer the question.
We added feet, so the sum is \(26\) feet. The perimeter of the patio is \(26\) feet.

This lesson is part of:

Introducing Numbers

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