Decimal addition and subtraction can be applied to solve a variety of real-world problems across different contexts. Here are some examples illustrating how these mathematical operations are used:
1. Budgeting and Personal Finance
- Problem: You need to manage your monthly expenses. Suppose your income is $2,500, and your expenses are $1,200 for rent, $350 for groceries, and $150 for utilities. How much money will you have left after these expenses?
- Solution:
- Calculate total expenses: \( 1200 + 350 + 150 = 1700 \).
- Subtract expenses from income: \( 2500 - 1700 = 800 \).
- Remaining Money: You will have $800 left.
2. Shopping and Discounts
- Problem: If you want to buy a computer that costs $1,200, but there is a 15% discount, what is the final price after the discount?
- Solution:
- Calculate the discount amount: \( 0.15 \times 1200 = 180 \).
- Subtract the discount from the original price: \( 1200 - 180 = 1020 \).
- Final Price: The computer will cost $1,020 after the discount.
3. Cooking and Recipe Adjustments
- Problem: A recipe requires 2.75 cups of flour, but you want to make half of the recipe. How much flour do you need?
- Solution:
- Divide the amount of flour by 2: \( 2.75 \div 2 = 1.375 \).
- Flour Needed: You will need 1.375 cups of flour.
4. Travel Distances
- Problem: You are planning a road trip. The total distance from your home to your vacation destination is 150.5 miles, and you have already traveled 67.8 miles. How much further do you need to travel?
- Solution:
- Subtract the distance already traveled from the total distance: \( 150.5 - 67.8 = 82.7 \).
- Distance Remaining: You need to travel 82.7 more miles.
5. Measurement and Construction
- Problem: You are building a shelf that is 5.75 feet long. If you cut off a piece that is 2.3 feet long, how long will the remaining shelf be?
- Solution:
- Subtract the length of the piece cut from the total length: \( 5.75 - 2.3 = 3.45 \).
- Remaining Length: The remaining shelf will be 3.45 feet long.
6. Health and Nutrition
- Problem: You are tracking your daily calorie intake. If you consume 1,450 calories for breakfast and lunch combined, and your goal is to not exceed 2,000 calories for the day, how many calories do you have left for dinner?
- Solution:
- Subtract the calories consumed from your daily goal: \( 2000 - 1450 = 550 \).
- Calories Left for Dinner: You have 550 calories left.
Conclusion
In each of these cases, decimal addition and subtraction are essential tools for assessing situations, making decisions, and planning effectively. Mastering these skills allows individuals to navigate everyday challenges more efficiently.
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