Multiply money amounts: word problems
Key Notes :
1. Understanding Money in Word Problems
- Money amounts are often written in dollars and cents ($ or ¢).
- The decimal point separates the dollars from the cents (e.g., $4.50 means 4 dollars and 50 cents).
- When solving word problems, focus on the units of money (dollars, cents) and ensure consistency in using them throughout the problem.
2. Key Vocabulary
- Multiply: Find the total amount by adding the same number multiple times.
- Unit price: The price per item (e.g., price of one notebook).
- Total cost: The total amount for multiple items.
- Amount: The quantity or value of money in the problem.
3. Steps for Solving Word Problems
- Step 1: Read the problem carefully to understand what is being asked.
- Step 2: Identify the money amounts involved and the operation needed (multiplication).
- Step 3: Set up the multiplication equation.
- For example, if one pencil costs $2.50 and you need 3 pencils, multiply $2.50 by 3:
- Step 4: Perform the multiplication, ensuring you correctly handle decimals.
- Step 5: Write the final answer with the correct currency unit (e.g., $).
4. Example Word Problem 1
- Problem: A book costs $5.75. How much will it cost to buy 4 books?
- Solution: 5.75×4=23.00 So, the total cost for 4 books is $23.00.
5. Example Word Problem 2
- Problem: A toy costs $8.25. If you buy 6 toys, what is the total cost?
- Solution: 8.25×6=49.50 The total cost for 6 toys is $49.50.
Learn with an example
1) A bouncy ball costs ₹9.
How much do 2 bouncy balls cost?
₹____
Multiply the price times the number of bouncy balls.
9 x 2 = ₹18
2 bouncy balls cost ₹18.
2) Maggie earns ₹10 per hour working as a janitor.
How much money will she earn if she works 10 hours?
₹_____
Multiply the hourly wage by the number of hours.

Maggie will earn ₹100.
3) Mackenzie buys 3 balloons. Each balloon costs ₹10.
How much does Mackenzie spend?
₹____
Multiply the price times the number of balloons.
10 x 3 = ₹30
Mackenzie spends ₹30.
Let’s practice!🖊️