Making a list helps organize the information in a word problem that can otherwise be overwhelming and confusing. Making lists put out a straightforward guide and help you break down the problem so you really understand what you need to do.
Word problem:
Maya has $55 and she gives her brother $10. She also gives her friend $15 and her sister $5. Her sister pays her back fully but her brother only pays back half of what he owed, promising to pay her back later. Her friend gives back 1/3 of what she owed, also promising to pay her back as soon as she can. How much money does Maya currently have?
In this problem, you have to process the money transactions and making a list will help you go step by step.
2/5 ...........................
It can be 8:12 or as a fraction it’s 8/12
3/4 + 1/2
multiply 1/2 denominator and numerator by 2 to match 3/4
= 3/4 + 2/4 = 5/4 (copy same denominator add numerator)
2/6 + 1/3
divide 2/6 denominator and numerator by 2 to match 1/3
= 1/3 + 1/3 = 2/3 (copy same denominator add numerator)
5/9 + 2/3
multiply 2/3 denominator and numerator by 3 to match 5/9
= 5/9 + 6/9 = 11/9 (copy same denominator add numerator)
6/9 -1/5
cross multiply 6x5 - 1x9 for numerator
for denominator multiply 9x5
=30/45 - 9/45= 21/45
divide num and den by 3
=7/15
5/8-1/3
cross multiply 5x3-1x8 for numerator
multiply 8x3 for denominator
= 15/24 -8/24 =7/24
