Question

Come up with a word problem of your own and share it with the group. What units and reasonable values could you expect for the answer? What units or values would not be acceptable?

Answer 1

A word problem about baking cakes illustrates the importance of using correct units and reasonable values. A practical example demonstrates how incorrect units or unreasonable values can lead to errors in everyday situations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Here's a word problem example:

Sarah is baking cakes for a charity event. If each cake requires 250 grams of flour and she has 5 kilograms of flour, how many full cakes can she bake?

• Identify the knowns: one cake requires 250 grams of flour, Sarah has 5 kilograms of flour.
• Convert the same units: 5 kilograms = 5000 grams.
• Divide the total amount of flour by the flour required for one cake: 5000 grams ÷ 250 grams/cake = 20 cakes.

The result is 20 cakes, which is a reasonable value considering the conversion and division. Unreasonable values would be an answer in a different unit like meters or liters or a non-sensible value like 0.2 cakes.

Importance of units in answers;

It is essential to express the answer with correct units and significant figures. For example, if units were not correctly maintained, Sarah might miscalculate the amount of flour needed which could result in her being unable to complete the task. An answer with proper units ensures clarity and avoids potential mistakes in the practical application of the solution.