Maria's Donut Shop Change: A Math Problem Solved!

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Maria's Donut Shop Change: A Math Problem Solved!

Let's dive into this delicious math problem! We need to figure out how much change Maria should receive after her donut shop adventure. She ordered a variety of treats, and we'll break down the costs step by step to find the final answer. So, grab your calculators, guys, and let's get started!

Breaking Down Maria's Order

To calculate Maria's change, we first need to determine the total cost of her order. This involves figuring out the cost of each item and then adding them together, along with the sales tax. Let's look at each item individually:

  • Cinnamon Rolls: Maria ordered 4 cinnamon rolls, and each one costs $2.59. To find the total cost of the cinnamon rolls, we multiply the number of rolls by the price per roll: 4 * $2.59 = $10.36. So, the cinnamon rolls cost $10.36. These delicious treats are adding up!
  • Doughnuts: Maria got a dozen doughnuts, and each doughnut costs $0.95. A dozen means 12, so we need to multiply 12 by the price per doughnut: 12 * $0.95 = $11.40. The doughnuts cost $11.40. We're getting closer to figuring out the total.
  • Doughnut Holes: Maria also ordered a dozen doughnut holes, which cost $1.75. This one's straightforward – the cost is $1.75. Those little doughnut holes add another $1.75 to the bill. It's starting to feel like a serious sugar rush!

Now that we know the cost of each item, we can add them together to find the subtotal before tax. We add the cost of the cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, and doughnut holes: $10.36 + $11.40 + $1.75 = $23.51. So, the cost of the items before tax is $23.51. It's important to keep track of this number as we move on to the next step.

Adding the Sales Tax

Next, we need to include the sales tax, which was $1.88. To find the total cost, we add the subtotal to the sales tax: $23.51 + $1.88 = $25.39. Therefore, Maria's total bill, including sales tax, is $25.39. Now we know how much Maria spent in total.

This is a crucial step because it tells us the actual amount Maria needs to pay. Understanding the total cost is essential for calculating the change she should receive. Without this, we wouldn't be able to determine the correct amount of change. So, let's keep this figure in mind as we move forward to the final calculation.

Calculating Maria's Change

Now comes the final step: calculating Maria's change. She paid with a $50 bill, and her total bill was $25.39. To find the change, we subtract the total bill from the amount she paid: $50.00 - $25.39 = $24.61.

So, Maria should receive $24.61 in change. We did it! We successfully navigated through the math and found the answer. Now, let's break this down to make sure everyone understands the process.

This part is about the actual calculation of the change. It's a simple subtraction problem, but it's the culmination of all the previous steps. It's important to double-check this calculation to ensure accuracy. We don't want Maria to get the wrong amount of change! It’s all about making sure we've done our math right, because nobody wants to shortchange someone, especially when donuts are involved!

Summarizing the Steps

To make sure we're all on the same page, let's quickly summarize the steps we took to solve this problem:

  1. Calculate the cost of the cinnamon rolls: Multiply the number of rolls (4) by the price per roll ($2.59).
  2. Calculate the cost of the doughnuts: Multiply the number of doughnuts (12) by the price per doughnut ($0.95).
  3. Determine the cost of the doughnut holes: This was already given as $1.75.
  4. Find the subtotal: Add the cost of the cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, and doughnut holes.
  5. Add the sales tax: Add the sales tax ($1.88) to the subtotal to get the total bill.
  6. Calculate the change: Subtract the total bill from the amount Maria paid ($50.00).

By following these steps, we were able to determine that Maria should receive $24.61 in change. This systematic approach is key to solving any multi-step math problem. Breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable parts makes it much easier to understand and solve. Plus, it helps to minimize errors along the way! Let’s emphasize this: these are the essential steps. It’s not just about the answer; it’s about understanding how we got there. This step-by-step method isn't just for donut problems; it’s a valuable skill for tackling all sorts of mathematical challenges.

Why This Matters: Real-World Math

This problem might seem like just a math exercise, but it actually reflects a very real-world scenario. We encounter similar calculations every time we go shopping, whether it's for groceries, clothes, or, of course, delicious donuts! Understanding how to calculate costs, taxes, and change is an essential life skill. This kind of math helps us manage our money effectively and avoid mistakes at the checkout counter.

Think about it – from figuring out the best deals to splitting a bill with friends, math is all around us. Being comfortable with these calculations empowers us to make informed decisions and navigate everyday financial situations with confidence. This is why understanding the underlying principles, not just memorizing formulas, is so crucial. The goal isn't just to solve this specific problem; it's to build a foundation for tackling any financial math that comes our way. So next time you’re at the store, remember Maria and her donuts – and remember that you’ve got the math skills to handle any purchase!

Conclusion: The Sweet Smell of Success

We've successfully solved the problem of Maria's donut shop change! By breaking down the problem into smaller steps, calculating the cost of each item, adding the sales tax, and finally subtracting the total from the amount paid, we arrived at the correct answer: $24.61. This problem demonstrates the importance of careful calculation and attention to detail in everyday situations. It also shows how math can be both practical and (with the right context) even a little bit fun.

Remember, math isn't just about numbers; it's about problem-solving. And in this case, the problem-solving led us to the sweet smell of success (and maybe even a craving for some cinnamon rolls and doughnuts!). So, the next time you encounter a math problem, don't be intimidated. Break it down, take it step by step, and you'll be surprised at what you can achieve. And who knows, maybe you'll even treat yourself to a donut (or four) to celebrate your mathematical victory! Because, let’s be honest, solving math problems deserves a reward! It's about seeing how math connects to our lives. We've shown that even a seemingly simple scenario like a donut purchase can be a great opportunity to flex our math muscles. And that’s pretty sweet, guys! So, let’s all go forth and conquer the world, one math problem (and one delicious treat) at a time!