Bryan used the six steps to solve this problem.
| Company | Rate |
| :-------- | :-------------------------------------------- |
| A | $14.65 per box |
| B | First box is free, $16.20 for any additional boxes |
On one of the steps, he decided that he would use multiplication and addition to compare the companies and find the best rate. Which step did Bryan use to help him decide?
Answer (1)
The problem involves determining at which step Bryan decided to use multiplication and addition to compare the costs of two companies. The decision to use these operations would logically occur when Bryan is planning his solution and choosing a strategy to compare the costs. This step is crucial as it sets the direction for the rest of the solution.
Explanation
Understanding the Problem The problem states that Bryan used six steps to solve the problem and that at one of these steps, he decided to use multiplication and addition to compare the companies. We need to identify which step this decision would logically occur in.
Analyzing the Costs To compare the costs of the two companies, Bryan needs to calculate the total cost for each company for a given number of boxes. Company A's cost is found by multiplying the number of boxes by the rate per box. Company B's cost involves calculating the cost of additional boxes (number of boxes - 1) and multiplying that by the rate for additional boxes, and adding to it the cost of the first box (which is free).
Identifying the Decision Step The decision to use multiplication and addition would logically occur when Bryan is planning his solution. This involves choosing a strategy to determine the best rate. The strategy involves calculating the total cost for each company and then comparing those costs.
Concluding the Answer Therefore, the step where Bryan decided to use multiplication and addition is the step where he chose a strategy to compare the costs. This is a crucial step in problem-solving, as it sets the direction for the rest of the solution.
Examples
Imagine you're planning a party and need to buy snacks. Company A charges a flat rate per snack box, while Company B offers the first box free but charges more for each additional box. By using multiplication and addition to calculate the total cost from each company, you can determine which company offers the best deal for the number of snack boxes you need. This type of cost comparison is essential for making informed purchasing decisions in everyday life.
