Question

Write a problem that has two parts. Then solve it by finding the whole.

Answer 1

Jane bought 3 scarves and 2 T-shirts for $29. Maria bought 1 scarf and 3 T-shirts for $33. Find the price of 1 scarf and 1 T- shirt.

Let us find the verbal models of the two parts.

Let x be the cost of 1 scarf and y be the cost of 1 T-shirt.

The verbal model for Jane is:

3x + 2y = 29 --- (1)

The verbal model for Maria is:

x + 3y = 33 --- (2)

Multiply (2) by 3, we get,

3x + 9y = 99 --- (3)

Subtract (1) from (3),

7y = 70

y = 10

Substitute y = 10 in (2), we get,

x + 3(10) = 33

x + 30 = 33

x = 33 - 30

x = 3.

Hence, cost of 1 scarf is $3 and the cost of 1 T-shirt is $10.

Answer 2

An example of a problem that has two parts, but that can be solved by finding the whole, might be the following: Problem 1) 2/4+2/4=1 (whole number) Problem 2) 2/3+1/3=1 (whole number)