Mr. and Mrs. Atoll are planning a party for 10 people and want to make sure they have enough soda for everyone to have two bottles. Which of the following makes the most economic sense?

Mr. and Mrs. Atoll are planning a party for 10 people and want to make sure they have enough soda for everyone to have two bottles. Which of the following makes the most economic sense?

20 bottles of soda at $1.50 each

4 six-packs of soda at $5.00 each

one case of 24 sodas at $18.50

two cases of 24 sodas at $18.50 each

Answer: "One case of 24 sodas at $18.50"

To determine the most economical option, let's compare the cost per bottle of soda for each option:

1. 20 bottles of soda at $1.50 each:
   Total cost = 20 * $1.50 = $30
   Cost per bottle = $30 / 20 = $1.50

2. 4 six-packs of soda at $5.00 each: Total cost = 4 * $5.00 = $20
   Total bottles = 4 * 6 = 24 bottles
   Cost per bottle = $20 / 24 ≈ $0.83

3. One case of 24 sodas at $18.50: Total cost = $18.50
   Total bottles = 24
   Cost per bottle = $18.50 / 24 ≈ $0.77

4. Two cases of 24 sodas at $18.50 each:
   Total cost = 2 * $18.50 = $37
   Total bottles = 2 * 24 = 48 bottles
   Cost per bottle = $37 / 48 ≈ $0.77

Comparing the cost per bottle, the most economical option is the "One case of 24 sodas at $18.50", which costs approximately $0.77 per bottle. Therefore, it makes the most economic sense for Mr. and Mrs. Atoll to choose this option.

Real Life Applications of Word Problems

Word problems have numerous real-life applications across various fields. Here are some examples:

1. Finance and Economics: Word problems are used to calculate interest rates, investment returns, loan payments, and budgeting. For instance, figuring out how long it will take to pay off a loan given a certain interest rate and monthly payment.

2. Engineering: Engineers often use word problems to design structures, solve logistical issues, and optimize processes. This could involve calculating the load-bearing capacity of a bridge or determining the optimal route for a delivery truck.

3. Science: Scientists use word problems to analyze data, conduct experiments, and make predictions. For example, calculating the rate of chemical reactions or determining the trajectory of a projectile.

4. Healthcare: Word problems are used in healthcare to calculate medication dosages, interpret test results, and plan treatment regimens. For instance, determining the correct insulin dosage for a diabetic patient based on their blood sugar level.

5. Architecture and Construction: Architects and construction workers use word problems to plan building projects, estimate materials needed, and ensure structural integrity. This could involve calculating the volume of concrete needed for a foundation or determining the angles for roof trusses.

6. Education: Teachers use word problems to help students apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These problems can range from simple arithmetic to complex algebraic equations.

7. Business and Management: Word problems are used in business to analyze sales data, forecast profits, and make strategic decisions. For example, determining the break-even point for a new product or analyzing inventory levels.

8. Environmental Science: Environmental scientists use word problems to analyze data on pollution levels, population growth, and resource depletion. This could involve calculating carbon emissions from a factory or predicting the impact of deforestation on biodiversity.

9. Transportation and Logistics: Word problems are used in transportation and logistics to optimize routes, minimize costs, and ensure timely delivery. For instance, calculating the most fuel-efficient route for a fleet of trucks or determining the optimal scheduling of public transportation.

10. Agriculture: Farmers use word problems to plan crop rotations, calculate fertilizer amounts, and estimate yields. For example, determining the amount of water needed to irrigate a field or calculating the cost-effectiveness of switching to organic farming methods.

These examples demonstrate how word problems are integral to various aspects of daily life and professional fields, highlighting the importance of mathematical skills in solving real-world problems.