Chapter 1, Problem 71A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The weight of two beakers in two methods is to be calculated.

Concept Introduction : The methods for solving numerical problems are arranged into a three-step approach to problem-solving. Analyzing, calculating, and evaluating are the steps in solving a numerical word problem.

Answer to Problem 71A

The weight of two beakers is $\text{1}\text{.0}\text{lb}$ . Both methods give the same answer.

Explanation of Solution

Four beakers weight $2.0\text{lb}$ .

Each beaker weights $0.5\text{lb}$ .

The methods for solving numerical problems are arranged into a three-step approach to problem-solving.

Analyzing, calculating, and evaluating are the steps in solving a numerical word problem.

Method I:

Since the weight of two beakers is to be calculated, make use of the weight of each beaker.

To calculate the weight of two beakers, multiply the weight of each beaker by 2.

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{weight}\text{of}\text{two}\text{beakers}\text{=}\text{2×0}\text{.5}\text{lb}\\ \text{=1}\text{.0}\text{lb}\end{array}$

The weight of two beakers in the method I is $\text{1}\text{.0}\text{lb}$ .

Method II:

Since the weight of two beakers is to be calculated, make use of the weight of four beakers. Only 2 beakers' weight is to be found, divide it by 2.

To calculate the weight of two beakers, divide the weight of four beakers by 2.

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{weight}\text{of}\text{two}\text{beakers}\text{=}\frac{\text{2}\text{.0}\text{lb}}{2}\\ \text{=1}\text{.0}\text{lb}\end{array}$

The weight of two beakers in method II is $\text{1}\text{.0}\text{lb}$ .

Both methods give the same answer. Though the methods may differ, the answer is the same for the calculations.