When Maria's Baby Was Born, He Weighed $8 \frac{3}{4}$ Pounds. Six Weeks Later, He Weighed $13 \frac{1}{2}$ Pounds. How Much Weight Did The Baby Gain?A. The Baby Gained \$4 \frac{3}{4}$[/tex\] Pounds During Those Six

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Calculating Weight Gain: A Simple yet Important Math Problem

When it comes to calculating weight gain, it's essential to understand the concept of fractions and how to add them together. In this article, we'll explore a simple math problem that involves calculating the weight gain of a baby over a six-week period.

The Problem

When Maria's baby was born, he weighed $8 \frac{3}{4}$ pounds. Six weeks later, he weighed $13 \frac{1}{2}$ pounds. How much weight did the baby gain?

Understanding the Problem

To solve this problem, we need to understand the concept of fractions and how to add them together. A fraction is a way of expressing a part of a whole. In this case, the baby's weight is expressed as a fraction of a pound.

Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions

Before we can add the two fractions together, we need to convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than the denominator.

8 \frac{3}{4}$ can be converted to an improper fraction as follows: $8 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{(8 \times 4) + 3}{4} = \frac{35}{4}

Similarly, $13 \frac{1}{2}$ can be converted to an improper fraction as follows:

1312=(13×2)+12=27213 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{(13 \times 2) + 1}{2} = \frac{27}{2}

Adding the Fractions

Now that we have the two fractions in improper form, we can add them together. To add fractions, we need to have the same denominator. In this case, the denominators are 4 and 2. We can convert the fractions to have a common denominator by multiplying the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators.

The LCM of 4 and 2 is 4. So, we can multiply the numerator and denominator of $\frac{27}{2}$ by 2 to get:

272×22=544\frac{27}{2} \times \frac{2}{2} = \frac{54}{4}

Now that we have the two fractions with the same denominator, we can add them together:

354+544=894\frac{35}{4} + \frac{54}{4} = \frac{89}{4}

Converting the Improper Fraction to a Mixed Number

Now that we have the sum of the two fractions, we can convert it back to a mixed number:

894=2214\frac{89}{4} = 22 \frac{1}{4}

Calculating the Weight Gain

Now that we have the baby's weight at birth and six weeks later, we can calculate the weight gain:

Weight gain = Final weight - Initial weight = $13 \frac{1}{2}$ - $8 \frac{3}{4}$ = $13 \frac{1}{2}$ - $8 \frac{3}{4}$ = $13 \frac{1}{2}$ - $\frac{35}{4}$ = $\frac{27}{2}$ - $\frac{35}{4}$ = $\frac{54}{4}$ - $\frac{35}{4}$ = $\frac{19}{4}$ = $4 \frac{3}{4}$

Therefore, the baby gained $4 \frac{3}{4}$ pounds during those six weeks.

Conclusion

Calculating weight gain is an essential math problem that involves understanding fractions and how to add them together. By converting mixed numbers to improper fractions and adding them together, we can calculate the weight gain of a baby over a six-week period. In this article, we explored a simple math problem that involved calculating the weight gain of a baby. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of how to calculate weight gain and has helped you to develop your math skills.
Frequently Asked Questions: Calculating Weight Gain

In our previous article, we explored a simple math problem that involved calculating the weight gain of a baby over a six-week period. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions related to calculating weight gain.

Q: What is the formula for calculating weight gain?

A: The formula for calculating weight gain is:

Weight gain = Final weight - Initial weight

Q: How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

A: To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, you need to multiply the whole number part by the denominator and add the numerator. Then, you can write the result as an improper fraction.

For example, to convert $8 \frac{3}{4}$ to an improper fraction, you would multiply 8 by 4 and add 3:

8×4=328 \times 4 = 32

32+3=3532 + 3 = 35

354\frac{35}{4}

Q: How do I add fractions with different denominators?

A: To add fractions with different denominators, you need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators. Then, you can multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the LCM to get a common denominator.

For example, to add $\frac{35}{4}$ and $\frac{27}{2}$, you would find the LCM of 4 and 2, which is 4. Then, you would multiply the numerator and denominator of $\frac{27}{2}$ by 2 to get:

272×22=544\frac{27}{2} \times \frac{2}{2} = \frac{54}{4}

Now that you have the two fractions with the same denominator, you can add them together:

354+544=894\frac{35}{4} + \frac{54}{4} = \frac{89}{4}

Q: How do I convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

A: To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, you need to divide the numerator by the denominator and write the result as a mixed number.

For example, to convert $\frac{89}{4}$ to a mixed number, you would divide 89 by 4:

89÷4=221489 \div 4 = 22 \frac{1}{4}

Q: What are some real-life applications of calculating weight gain?

A: Calculating weight gain is an essential skill in many real-life situations, such as:

  • Monitoring the weight gain of a baby or child over time
  • Calculating the weight gain of an athlete or fitness enthusiast over a training period
  • Determining the effectiveness of a weight loss program or diet
  • Calculating the weight gain of a patient undergoing treatment for a medical condition

Q: Can I use a calculator to calculate weight gain?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to calculate weight gain. However, it's essential to understand the underlying math concepts and formulas to ensure accuracy and to avoid relying solely on technology.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when calculating weight gain?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when calculating weight gain include:

  • Failing to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions
  • Adding fractions with different denominators without finding the LCM
  • Failing to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers
  • Relying solely on technology and not understanding the underlying math concepts

By understanding these common mistakes and taking the time to learn the underlying math concepts, you can ensure accurate and reliable calculations of weight gain.