Coffee Calculation: Total Weight Of Coffee Purchased

Understanding the Coffee Purchase

In this article, we'll break down a simple yet practical math problem involving the calculation of total weight. Our main focus is on determining the total amount of coffee purchased by Marcus. The problem states that Marcus bought 1.35 pounds of Columbian coffee and 1.84 pounds of French roast coffee. To find the total weight of coffee, we need to combine these two amounts. This is a fundamental concept in mathematics, especially when dealing with real-life scenarios like grocery shopping or measuring ingredients for a recipe. Understanding these basic calculations is crucial for everyday tasks and provides a solid foundation for more complex mathematical concepts. Now, let's dive into the specifics of solving this problem. First, identify the key information provided: the weight of the Columbian coffee and the weight of the French roast coffee. Next, determine the operation needed to combine these values. In this case, since we want the total weight, we will use addition. The problem is straightforward, but it's essential to ensure accuracy in the calculation to arrive at the correct answer. Make sure to align the decimal points correctly when adding the two numbers to avoid any errors. Attention to detail is key in mathematics, and this problem serves as a great example of how careful calculations lead to accurate results. Now that we've set the stage, let's proceed with the actual calculation and explore the different answer choices provided.

Step-by-Step Solution

To accurately determine the total weight of coffee Marcus bought, we need to perform a simple addition: 1.35 pounds (Columbian coffee) + 1.84 pounds (French roast coffee). Let's break down the addition process step by step. First, align the numbers vertically, ensuring that the decimal points are aligned. This is crucial for accurate addition, especially when dealing with decimal numbers. Aligning the decimal points ensures that you are adding the correct place values together (tenths with tenths, hundredths with hundredths, and so on). Once the numbers are aligned, start adding from the rightmost column, which in this case is the hundredths place. Add 5 hundredths and 4 hundredths, which equals 9 hundredths. Write down the 9 in the hundredths place of the result. Next, move to the tenths place and add 3 tenths and 8 tenths, which equals 11 tenths. Write down the 1 in the tenths place of the result and carry over the 1 to the ones place. Now, add the numbers in the ones place, including the carried-over 1. So, we have 1 (carried over) + 1 (from 1.35) + 1 (from 1.84), which equals 3. Write down the 3 in the ones place of the result. Finally, bring down the decimal point in the same position as it is in the original numbers. So, the result of the addition is 3.19 pounds. This means that Marcus bought a total of 3.19 pounds of coffee. Now that we have the calculated total weight, let's compare it with the answer choices provided in the problem to select the correct answer. This step is important to ensure that our calculation aligns with the given options and that we choose the most accurate answer.

Analyzing the Answer Choices

After performing the addition, we found that Marcus bought a total of 3.19 pounds of coffee. Now, let's examine the answer choices provided in the problem to identify the correct one. The answer choices are as follows:

A. 2.19 pounds B. 3.09 pounds C. 3.19 pounds D. 4.19 pounds

Comparing our calculated result, 3.19 pounds, with the answer choices, we can clearly see that option C, 3.19 pounds, matches our calculation. This confirms that our addition was accurate and that we have identified the correct answer. It's important to note the other answer choices and understand why they are incorrect. Option A, 2.19 pounds, is less than both the individual amounts of coffee Marcus bought (1.35 pounds and 1.84 pounds), so it cannot be the correct total. Option B, 3.09 pounds, is close to the correct answer but slightly off, indicating a possible error in addition if this were chosen. Option D, 4.19 pounds, is significantly higher than the sum of the individual amounts, making it an unlikely answer. By analyzing the answer choices in relation to our calculated result, we can confidently select the correct answer and reinforce our understanding of the problem-solving process. This step also highlights the importance of checking our work and ensuring that the answer makes logical sense within the context of the problem. So, the correct answer is C. 3.19 pounds. Marcus bought a total of 3.19 pounds of coffee. This concludes our step-by-step solution and analysis of the problem.

Importance of Decimal Addition

The problem we just solved highlights the importance of decimal addition in everyday life. Decimal numbers are used extensively in various real-world scenarios, from calculating expenses and measurements to understanding scientific data. Mastering decimal addition is crucial for anyone looking to handle practical mathematical tasks with confidence. In this specific problem, we dealt with the weights of different types of coffee, which were given in decimal form. To find the total weight, we needed to add these decimal numbers accurately. This is a common scenario in grocery shopping, where you might need to calculate the total weight of multiple items or the total cost of items priced with decimals. Understanding decimal addition is not just about following a procedure; it's about grasping the concept of place value and how it applies to numbers with decimal points. Each digit in a decimal number has a specific value, and aligning these values correctly is essential for accurate addition. For instance, the tenths place must be added to the tenths place, and the hundredths place must be added to the hundredths place. This concept extends beyond simple calculations. It's also fundamental in fields like finance, engineering, and science, where precise measurements and calculations are often required. Therefore, practicing and mastering decimal addition can significantly enhance your mathematical skills and your ability to solve practical problems in various aspects of life. Whether it's calculating the total amount you spent at a store or determining the precise amount of ingredients for a recipe, decimal addition is a skill that will serve you well. Moreover, understanding decimal addition lays the groundwork for more complex mathematical operations involving decimals, such as subtraction, multiplication, and division. By building a strong foundation in decimal addition, you'll be better equipped to tackle a wide range of mathematical challenges. This skill also helps in developing a strong number sense, which is the ability to understand and work with numbers in a flexible and intuitive way. With a solid grasp of decimal addition, you can confidently approach mathematical problems and make accurate calculations in both academic and real-world settings. Therefore, it's worth investing time and effort in mastering this essential mathematical skill.

Conclusion

In summary, we successfully solved the problem of determining the total weight of coffee Marcus purchased by adding the weights of the Columbian and French roast coffee. The problem required us to add 1.35 pounds and 1.84 pounds, which resulted in a total of 3.19 pounds. We carefully aligned the decimal points and added the numbers column by column, ensuring accuracy in our calculation. By comparing our result with the answer choices provided, we confidently selected the correct answer, which was 3.19 pounds. This exercise not only demonstrated our ability to perform decimal addition but also highlighted the importance of this skill in everyday situations. Decimal addition is a fundamental mathematical operation that we use frequently in various contexts, such as shopping, cooking, and financial calculations. Understanding how to add decimals accurately is essential for making informed decisions and solving practical problems. Moreover, this problem reinforced the importance of careful reading and attention to detail in problem-solving. We needed to extract the relevant information from the problem statement and use it to perform the correct operation. This skill is crucial not only in mathematics but also in other areas of life where critical thinking and analytical skills are required. By breaking down the problem into smaller steps and systematically working through each step, we were able to arrive at the correct solution. This approach can be applied to other mathematical problems as well, making problem-solving more manageable and less daunting. Additionally, we discussed the significance of decimal addition in various fields and its role in building a strong foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts. Mastering decimal addition not only enhances our mathematical proficiency but also empowers us to handle real-world situations with confidence. This skill allows us to make accurate calculations and informed decisions, whether we're managing our finances or following a recipe. In conclusion, the problem of calculating the total weight of coffee Marcus bought served as a valuable exercise in decimal addition and problem-solving. We successfully applied our mathematical skills to arrive at the correct answer and reinforced the importance of this skill in everyday life.

For more practice on decimal operations and math problems, visit a trusted resource like Khan Academy.