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:
    2.50×3=7.50
  • 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!🖊️