Calculate Total Cost: Balls, Pencils & Notebooks
Hey guys! Let's break down this simple accounting problem together. We're going to figure out how much Surekha needs to pay for her school supplies. It's all about adding up the costs of the balls, pencils, and notebooks she bought. This kind of calculation is super important in everyday life, whether you're doing your own shopping or balancing a budget. So, let's dive in and make sure we get the right answer for Surekha!
Understanding the Problem
First, let's understand the problem clearly. Surekha is purchasing a few different items: balls, pencils, and notebooks. We know exactly how many of each item she bought and the price for each set. Our main goal here is to find the total amount she'll need to hand over to the shopkeeper. This is a basic addition problem, but it's a great example of how we use math in real-world situations. We're essentially adding up different costs to find a grand total, a skill that's useful in all sorts of scenarios, from splitting bills with friends to figuring out monthly expenses. So, let's put on our thinking caps and get to work!
To kick things off, we need to gather all the information provided in the problem. This means writing down how much each item costs individually.
- Balls: Surekha bought 3 balls for $30.
- Pencils: She got 5 pencils for $12.50.
- Notebooks: And she picked up 4 notebooks for $20.
Now, let's calculate the total cost. The keywords here are total amount and shopkeeper. Understanding what the question is asking is the first step to getting the correct answer. We know we need to sum up all the expenses, so let's move on to the next step where we actually do the math!
Step-by-Step Calculation
Okay, guys, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty and crunch some numbers! We're going to add up the cost of each item Surekha bought to find the total amount. This is where we put our arithmetic skills to the test. Don't worry; it's straightforward stuff. We'll take it one step at a time to make sure we're crystal clear on how we arrive at the final answer. Remember, in problems like these, precision is key, so we want to make sure we're adding the right numbers in the right way.
Here’s how we'll break it down:
- Cost of Balls: $30
- Cost of Pencils: $12.50
- Cost of Notebooks: $20
Now, let's add these values together. We're basically saying:
Total Cost = Cost of Balls + Cost of Pencils + Cost of Notebooks
So, plugging in the numbers we have:
Total Cost = $30 + $12.50 + $20
Adding $30 and $20 is easy; that gives us $50. Now, we just need to add the $12.50. Think of it like adding dollars and cents – we have $50, and we're adding another $12.50 to it. That’s a piece of cake, right?
So, let's do the final addition:
$50 + $12.50 = $62.50
There you have it! The total cost of Surekha's purchase is $62.50. See, it wasn’t so hard after all. We just needed to take it step by step and make sure we added everything correctly. Now, let's move on to writing out our final answer, nice and clear.
Final Answer
Alright, guys, we've done the math, and now it's time to state our final answer loud and clear! The question was, "What is the total amount Surekha has to pay to the shopkeeper?" and we've figured out that Surekha needs to pay a grand total of ) to indicate that we're talking about money. This is super important in practical calculations. Including units, like dollars in this case, ensures our answer is complete and understandable. Omitting the units might lead to confusion, as the number 62.50 could mean anything without proper context. So, always remember to add those units!
Let's write out the final answer in a clear, concise sentence:
Surekha has to pay the shopkeeper $62.50 in total.
There you have it! We've answered the question completely, showing our work step-by-step and clearly stating our final answer. Always double-check that you’ve answered the question that was asked, and you've included all the necessary details. Good job, team! Now, let’s wrap things up with a quick recap of everything we’ve done.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Okay, team, let's quickly recap what we've accomplished in solving this accounting problem. We took a real-world scenario – Surekha buying school supplies – and broke it down into simple steps. This kind of problem-solving approach is incredibly useful, not just in math class but in everyday life. Remember, accountancy isn't just about numbers; it's about understanding how to manage money and make informed decisions. By understanding these basics, you’re setting yourself up for financial success in the future.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key things we did:
- Understood the Problem: We started by making sure we knew exactly what the question was asking. In this case, it was finding the total cost of Surekha’s purchases.
- Gathered the Information: We wrote down the cost of each item – balls, pencils, and notebooks – so we had all the necessary data in front of us.
- Performed the Calculation: We added up the costs of each item step-by-step to find the total amount. Remember, it was just simple addition, but accuracy is key!
- Stated the Final Answer: We clearly stated the total amount Surekha had to pay, including the currency symbol ($).
Key takeaways:
- Read Carefully: Always read the problem carefully to understand what's being asked.
- Break it Down: Break complex problems into smaller, manageable steps.
- Show Your Work: Writing down each step helps you avoid mistakes and makes it easier to review your work.
- Include Units: Don't forget to include units (like $ for dollars) in your final answer.
So, guys, that’s how we solve a basic accounting problem! Keep practicing, and you'll become total pros at handling money matters. Remember, every time you calculate costs while shopping or manage your own budget, you’re using these same skills. Keep up the great work!