Hosts model a package-delivery word problem: 24 packages at $6.80 yields $163.20
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Summary
The hosts solved a story problem: a delivery worker made 6, 8 and 10 deliveries (24 total) at $6.80 per package; the hosts computed total earnings of $163.20 and explained problem-solving strategies.
The show closed with a real-world story problem: a delivery worker earned $6.80 per package and delivered 6 packages on Monday, 8 on Wednesday, and 10 on Friday. Host Maggie Mixon demonstrated the efficient strategy: add the delivered packages first (6 + 8 + 10 = 24) and then multiply the total by the per-package pay ($6.80 * 24), producing $163.20.
Mixon explained that an alternative approach—multiplying the per-package rate by each day and then summing the three daily totals—would work but requires extra steps. The hosts recommended the add-then-multiply approach when the question asks for a single total.
Why this matters: translating story problems into expression form (total packages * per-unit pay) is a common algebra application and helps students practice modeling and arithmetic checks (estimate-by-rounding to validate results).
Classroom tip: the hosts suggested mental estimation (for example, double-checking 24 * $6.80 by approximating 24 * $7 to see if the detailed product is reasonable).
Ending note: Mixon and Paredo encouraged callers to bring similar applied problems to future broadcasts for step-by-step help.