Calculate Costs Mangoes Bananas Pineapples And Candles Math Problems

Mathematics, often perceived as a realm of complex equations and abstract concepts, is fundamentally a tool for understanding the world around us. From calculating grocery bills to designing skyscrapers, mathematical principles underpin countless aspects of our daily lives. In this article, we will delve into a series of intriguing mathematical problems centered around the cost of everyday items such as mangoes, bananas, pineapples, and candles. Through careful analysis and step-by-step solutions, we will not only unravel the answers to these specific questions but also gain a deeper appreciation for the power and versatility of mathematical reasoning.

Deciphering the Cost of Mangoes

Our journey begins with the question: If the cost of 8 mangoes is $20, what is the cost of one mango? This seemingly simple question serves as a gateway to understanding the concept of unit price, a fundamental element in everyday calculations. To determine the cost of a single mango, we must employ the principle of division. We divide the total cost of the mangoes ($20) by the number of mangoes (8). This can be represented mathematically as follows:

Cost of one mango = Total cost of mangoes / Number of mangoes

Substituting the given values, we get:

Cost of one mango = $20 / 8

Performing the division, we arrive at the answer:

Cost of one mango = $2.50

Therefore, the cost of one mango is $2.50. This exercise highlights the importance of understanding unit prices, which allows us to compare the cost-effectiveness of different products and make informed purchasing decisions. For instance, if another vendor offers mangoes at a price of $3 each, we can immediately recognize that the first vendor provides a better deal. This simple calculation exemplifies the practical applications of mathematics in our daily lives.

Unveiling the Price of Bananas

Our next mathematical exploration involves the cost of bananas. The problem states: The price of a dozen bananas is $18. Find the cost of 4 bananas. This question introduces the concept of dozens, a common unit of measurement for fruits and other goods. A dozen, as we know, consists of 12 items. To determine the cost of 4 bananas, we must first find the cost of a single banana. We can achieve this by dividing the total cost of a dozen bananas ($18) by the number of bananas in a dozen (12). This can be expressed mathematically as:

Cost of one banana = Total cost of a dozen bananas / Number of bananas in a dozen

Substituting the given values, we get:

Cost of one banana = $18 / 12

Performing the division, we find:

Cost of one banana = $1.50

Now that we know the cost of a single banana, we can easily calculate the cost of 4 bananas by multiplying the cost of one banana ($1.50) by the desired quantity (4). This can be represented as:

Cost of 4 bananas = Cost of one banana * Number of bananas

Substituting the values, we get:

Cost of 4 bananas = $1.50 * 4

Performing the multiplication, we arrive at the answer:

Cost of 4 bananas = $6

Therefore, the cost of 4 bananas is $6. This problem demonstrates the importance of breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps. By first finding the unit price of a single banana, we were able to easily calculate the cost of any quantity of bananas. This approach is applicable to a wide range of mathematical problems and highlights the power of methodical problem-solving.

Illuminating the Cost of Candles

Our mathematical journey continues with an exploration of the cost of candles. The problem states: The cost of a score of candles is $30. What is the cost of one candle? This question introduces the term "score," which represents a quantity of 20. Similar to the previous problems, we need to determine the unit price of a single candle. To do this, we divide the total cost of the score of candles ($30) by the number of candles in a score (20). This can be expressed mathematically as:

Cost of one candle = Total cost of a score of candles / Number of candles in a score

Substituting the given values, we get:

Cost of one candle = $30 / 20

Performing the division, we arrive at the answer:

Cost of one candle = $1.50

Therefore, the cost of one candle is $1.50. This problem reinforces the concept of unit price and its importance in determining the cost of individual items within a larger quantity. Understanding the meaning of different units of measurement, such as "score," is crucial for accurate calculations and informed decision-making.

Pricing the Pineapple Plunge

Our final mathematical problem involves the cost of pineapples. The question is straightforward: The cost of a pineapple is $5. Find the cost of 12 pineapples. This problem presents a direct application of multiplication. To find the cost of 12 pineapples, we simply multiply the cost of one pineapple ($5) by the desired quantity (12). This can be represented mathematically as:

Cost of 12 pineapples = Cost of one pineapple * Number of pineapples

Substituting the values, we get:

Cost of 12 pineapples = $5 * 12

Performing the multiplication, we arrive at the answer:

Cost of 12 pineapples = $60

Therefore, the cost of 12 pineapples is $60. This problem, while seemingly simple, underscores the importance of understanding basic arithmetic operations, such as multiplication, in everyday calculations. It also highlights the concept of scaling, where the cost of a single item is used to determine the cost of a larger quantity.

The beauty of mathematical problem solving

Through these mathematical explorations, we have not only solved specific problems related to the cost of mangoes, bananas, pineapples, and candles but also gained a deeper appreciation for the power and versatility of mathematical reasoning. We have seen how fundamental concepts such as unit price, division, multiplication, and understanding different units of measurement are essential for solving everyday problems. Mathematics is not merely an abstract discipline confined to textbooks and classrooms; it is a practical tool that empowers us to understand and navigate the world around us. By embracing mathematical thinking, we can become more informed consumers, more effective problem-solvers, and more confident individuals in all aspects of our lives.

• Original Question: The cost of 8 mangoes is $20. What is the cost of one mango?

• Improved Question: If 8 mangoes cost $20 in total, what is the price of a single mango?

• Original Question: The price of a dozen bananas is $18. Find the cost of 4 bananas.

• Improved Question: If a dozen bananas (12 bananas) costs $18, how much do 4 bananas cost?

• Original Question: The cost of score of candles is $30. What is the cost of one candle?

• Improved Question: If a score (20) of candles costs $30, what is the price of one candle?

• Original Question: The cost of a pineapple is $5. Find the cost of 12

• Improved Question: If one pineapple costs $5, what is the total cost of buying 12 pineapples?