Solving A Classic Math Problem: Dividing Money Among Siblings

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Hey everyone, let's dive into a fun math problem! This is a classic scenario that often pops up, and it's a great way to flex our problem-solving muscles. We're going to break down how a father distributed $900 among his four children, figuring out how much the youngest received. Ready to jump in?

The Setup: A Father's Generous Gift

So, picture this: a father has $900 to share with his four children. He's not just splitting it equally, oh no! He's got a specific plan, and here's how it breaks down:

  • The oldest child gets 1/3 of the total amount.
  • The second child receives 1/4 of the total.
  • The third child is given 1/6 of the total.

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to calculate how much money the youngest child got. It's a straightforward problem, but it requires us to carefully follow the steps and keep track of the fractions.

First things first, let's get the facts straight. We know the total amount ($900) and the fractions given to the first three kids. This information is the key to unlock the problem. We need to find out what percentage of the total amount went to each child, and then we can determine how much money the youngest child received. It's like a puzzle, and we're the detectives trying to solve it. We'll use some basic math concepts like fractions, addition, and subtraction to arrive at the answer. And don't worry, it's not rocket science! With a bit of patience and focus, we'll crack this case in no time.

Let's start by calculating how much money each of the first three children received. This will involve converting the fractions into dollar amounts and summing them up. This is the first step of the solution, because we will know how much money the father has already distributed. Knowing this, we'll be one step closer to unveiling the amount that the youngest child got. Remember, in math problems, it's important to take it step by step. This approach helps to stay organized, and prevents simple mistakes. We'll then subtract the total of what the older siblings received from the total amount ($900) to find out how much the youngest child got. By carefully following each step, we can obtain an accurate solution and be able to proudly declare ourselves as math problem-solving experts! Let's start calculating!

Calculating the Shares: Breaking Down the Fractions

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks and figure out how much money each of the older kids received. We'll convert those fractions into actual dollar amounts.

  • The Oldest Child: They got 1/3 of $900. To find this, we divide $900 by 3: $900 / 3 = $300. So, the oldest child received $300.
  • The Second Child: They got 1/4 of $900. Divide $900 by 4: $900 / 4 = $225. The second child received $225.
  • The Third Child: They got 1/6 of $900. Divide $900 by 6: $900 / 6 = $150. The third child received $150.

Now that we know how much each of the older kids received, we're making good progress. We've successfully converted the fractions into tangible amounts. We're getting closer to the solution. This is an important step. It helps us to visualize the situation more clearly. We can start adding these numbers together, and then compare it to the total amount to see how much is left for the youngest child. Let's not stop now, we're on the verge of completing the solution!

This is a good time to pause and celebrate the progress we have made. With each calculation, we are getting closer to our goal. We are demonstrating how important it is to break down a complex problem into smaller steps. And in doing so, we are also building confidence. Each step is a small victory, helping us to build momentum and making us more determined to reach the solution. It's important to recognize that we are able to solve a real-world problem. With careful calculation and a systematic approach, we can solve even the most challenging math problems. Now we can move on to the next step. It's time to add the amounts to find out how much money has already been given away, and determine how much is left for the youngest child.

Finding the Youngest Child's Share: The Final Calculation

Okay, guys, we're almost there! We know how much the first three children received. Now, let's add up their shares to see how much money has already been distributed.

$300 (oldest) + $225 (second) + $150 (third) = $675

So, the three older kids received a total of $675. Now, to find out how much the youngest child got, we subtract this amount from the total $900.

$900 (total) - $675 (given to older kids) = $225

Therefore, the youngest child received $225.

We have found the solution! The youngest child received $225. By carefully adding and subtracting, we've figured out the final piece of the puzzle. The process was quite straightforward, but it required careful calculation. It shows how essential each step is in obtaining the right solution. This is a fantastic achievement. We have transformed fractions into understandable amounts, and then added and subtracted the amounts. By applying these basic math skills, we have successfully completed the problem. This proves that with practice, dedication, and patience, we can overcome any obstacle. Every step of the process has been a learning experience. From understanding fractions to applying addition and subtraction. Math is fun, and it is a skill that can be applied in real-life situations. We have successfully applied it to this problem. And remember, every problem is an opportunity to practice and improve your mathematical skills.

Summary: A Mathematical Journey

Let's recap what we've done. We started with a word problem about a father dividing money among his children. We converted the fractions into dollar amounts. Then, we added the amount the first three children received, and finally, we subtracted that amount from the total to find out how much the youngest child got. We have demonstrated how to effectively solve a real-world math problem. This has been a mathematical journey, where we have combined different skills to obtain the correct solution. Through this, we've proven that with a systematic approach, any problem can be solved.

This problem wasn't just about numbers; it was about problem-solving, critical thinking, and breaking down a complex situation into manageable parts. It's a perfect example of how math is used in everyday life. From dividing assets to calculating discounts, mathematical knowledge is an indispensable tool. Remember, the ability to solve this kind of problem helps to sharpen your logic and make you more confident.

And that's a wrap! I hope you guys enjoyed solving this problem as much as I did. Math can be fun, practical, and a great way to challenge your brain. Keep practicing, keep learning, and keep exploring the fascinating world of numbers. Until next time, happy calculating!