Question

Which shows a correct order to solve this story problem?

To make a fruit smoothie, Jason needs 2.4 ounces of blackberries, 1.6 ounces of apples, and 3.4 ounces of blueberries. Jason makes 5 smoothies.



How many ounces of fruit will Jason need altogether?



A.


Step 1: Add together the weights of the three fruits.

Step 2: Multiply the sum by 5.


B.


Step 1: Add the weights of the apples and the blueberries.

Step 2: Subtract the weight of the blackberries from that sum.

Step 3: Multiply the difference by 5.


C.


Step 1: Multiply the weight of the blackberries by 5.

Step 2: Add the weights of the apples and the blueberries to that product.

Step 3: Multiply the sum by 5.


D.


Step 1: Add together the weights of the three fruits.

Step 2: Divide the sum by 5.

Answer 1

Put yourself in Jason's shoes and consider how you'd solve the problem.

You're given the weight of components for one smoothie. You want to make 5. Essentially, you want to add the weights together 5 times.

In 3rd grade you learned that multiplication is an easier way to do repeated addition. It makes sense to add the weights together once, then multiply the result by 5.

Selection A is appropriate.