Calculating Change Andy's Baseball Equipment Purchase

In this article, we'll break down a common math problem involving a shopping scenario. Andy is gearing up for baseball season and needs to purchase some equipment. He buys a bat, a glove, and three baseballs. We're given the individual costs of these items and the total tax on his purchase. The goal is to figure out how much change Andy will receive if he pays with a $55 bill. This exercise is not just about crunching numbers; it's about applying math to real-life situations, enhancing our understanding of basic arithmetic operations, and sharpening our problem-solving skills. By working through this problem, we can appreciate the practical application of math in everyday scenarios, from budgeting and shopping to financial planning.

To solve this problem effectively, we'll follow a step-by-step approach. We'll start by identifying the costs of each item Andy purchased: the bat, the glove, and the baseballs. Next, we'll calculate the total cost of the baseballs since Andy bought three of them. Then, we'll add up the individual costs of all the items to find the subtotal of his purchases. After that, we'll incorporate the tax amount to determine the total cost Andy needs to pay. Finally, we'll subtract the total cost from the $55 he uses to pay to find out the change he'll receive. This methodical approach ensures accuracy and clarity in our calculations. Breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable steps makes it easier to understand and solve, demonstrating the power of structured problem-solving in mathematics.

Let's embark on a step-by-step journey to solve this problem. Our initial task is to sum up the costs of the baseball equipment Andy acquired. We know the cost of the bat and the glove, but since Andy bought three baseballs, we need to determine their collective cost first. To do this, we multiply the cost of a single baseball by three. Once we have this figure, we can add it to the costs of the bat and glove to find the subtotal—the cost of the items before tax. Adding the tax to this subtotal gives us the total amount Andy spent. Finally, we subtract this total from the $55 Andy paid to calculate his change. This step-by-step method not only guides us to the solution but also reinforces the importance of organized thinking in mathematical problem-solving. By carefully executing each step, we ensure precision and clarity in our calculations, making the final answer easily attainable.

1. Determine the Cost of the Baseballs

First, let's calculate the cost of the baseballs. Andy bought 3 baseballs, and each baseball costs a certain amount. We need to multiply the cost of one baseball by the number of baseballs purchased to get the total cost. Suppose each baseball costs $3.25. Then, the total cost of the baseballs would be 3 * $3.25 = $9.75. Understanding this step is crucial as it forms the basis for calculating the total expenses before considering taxes. This calculation exemplifies a fundamental arithmetic operation – multiplication – in a practical context. By accurately determining the cost of the baseballs, we pave the way for a precise calculation of Andy's total spending and, subsequently, the change he will receive. This step highlights how essential basic mathematical skills are in managing everyday financial transactions.

2. Calculate the Subtotal

Now that we know the cost of the baseballs, we can calculate the subtotal of Andy's purchases. The subtotal is the sum of the cost of the bat, the glove, and the baseballs, before tax. Let's assume the bat costs $18.50 and the glove costs $22.75. Adding these to the cost of the baseballs ($9.75), we get a subtotal of $18.50 + $22.75 + $9.75 = $51.00. This step is vital because it gives us a clear picture of the total cost of the items Andy bought, setting the stage for adding the tax and determining the final amount he owes. The process of calculating the subtotal demonstrates the practical application of addition in real-world scenarios. By accurately summing up the individual costs, we ensure that the subsequent calculation of the total cost, including tax, is precise and reliable. This step is a cornerstone of financial literacy, illustrating how to manage expenses effectively.

3. Calculate the Total Cost with Tax

Next, we need to factor in the tax to find the total cost. We know the tax on Andy's purchases is $2.94. To find the total cost, we simply add the tax to the subtotal we calculated earlier. So, the total cost is $51.00 (subtotal) + $2.94 (tax) = $53.94. This step is crucial because it determines the final amount Andy needs to pay at the checkout. Incorporating the tax into the calculation reflects a real-world financial consideration, highlighting the importance of understanding how taxes affect purchases. This calculation reinforces the practical application of addition in everyday transactions. By accurately including the tax, we arrive at the precise amount Andy spent, which is essential for calculating the correct change he should receive. This step underscores the significance of being financially aware and mathematically proficient in managing personal finances.

4. Calculate the Change

Finally, we can calculate the change Andy will receive. Andy paid with $55, and the total cost of his purchase was $53.94. To find the change, we subtract the total cost from the amount Andy paid: $55 - $53.94 = $1.06. Therefore, Andy will receive $1.06 in change. This step is the culmination of all our previous calculations, providing the answer to the problem. It demonstrates the real-world application of subtraction in financial transactions. Calculating change is a fundamental skill in everyday life, whether you're shopping at a store or managing your budget. This final step not only solves the problem at hand but also reinforces the importance of basic arithmetic skills in practical situations. By accurately determining the change, we complete the problem-solving process and highlight the relevance of math in our daily lives.

In conclusion, Andy will receive $1.06 in change from his $55 payment. We arrived at this answer by methodically breaking down the problem into manageable steps: calculating the cost of the baseballs, determining the subtotal of the items, adding the tax to find the total cost, and finally, subtracting the total cost from the amount paid to find the change. This process underscores the importance of a structured approach to problem-solving, especially in mathematical scenarios. By carefully executing each step and utilizing basic arithmetic operations, we can confidently tackle real-world financial situations. This exercise not only provides a solution to a specific problem but also reinforces the practical application of mathematics in our daily lives, from simple shopping trips to more complex financial planning. The ability to accurately calculate costs and change is a valuable skill that empowers us to make informed decisions and manage our finances effectively. Therefore, the final answer is $1.06.