Smith's Fabric Store: Thread Spool Sales Analysis

Hey there, math enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a fun word problem about Smith's Fabric Store and their thread spools. We'll be using some basic math skills to figure out how many red and black spools were left at the end of a busy Monday. So, grab your calculators (or your brains!) and let's get started. This isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about understanding how math helps us solve everyday problems. We will explore how to approach this kind of problem step-by-step, making sure we break it down into easy-to-manage chunks. This helps build a solid foundation for tackling more complex math challenges down the road. This problem is perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their skills in basic arithmetic, problem-solving, and data interpretation. Ready to unravel the mystery of the missing thread spools? Let's go!

Understanding the Problem and Gathering Information

Alright, guys, before we jump into any calculations, let's make sure we fully understand the problem. The core of this problem revolves around tracking the thread spool sales at Smith's Fabric Store on a specific Monday. To successfully solve it, we must first focus on identifying key pieces of information from the word problem, which are essential for solving it. The problem states that before the sales began, there were a certain number of red spools and black spools available. Now, the main goal is to determine how many red spools and how many black spools were left at the end of the day. This requires us to know how many of each color were sold during the day. This simple scenario highlights the importance of reading comprehension in math. Being able to extract the relevant data from the narrative is half the battle won. Imagine you're a detective, and each piece of information is a clue. You need to gather all the clues before you can solve the case. This initial phase sets the stage for accurate calculations and a comprehensive understanding of the problem. This initial step of parsing the problem is very important for setting a course to the right answer. Getting all the facts correct is always the best way to get to the solution. The more information that is obtained from the start will ensure the best possible results.

The Given Information

Here’s what we know so far. The store started with a specific number of red and black thread spools. The problem tells us that before the Monday sales, there were 34 red spools and 53 black spools. This is our starting point. We need to find out how many of each color were sold to figure out the remainder. This initial inventory is critical because it tells us the total number of spools of each color that were available before any sales took place. We need to remember this as we move forward. This number of spools will be crucial when we begin our calculations. This detail sets the foundation for our calculations, as it defines the initial quantity of each spool type. These numbers are our starting point. They represent the resources Smith's Fabric Store has before any spools are sold. The significance of this initial information cannot be overstated. It sets the baseline against which all sales and remaining quantities will be measured. Without knowing these starting numbers, solving the problem would be impossible. So, always pay close attention to the starting quantities provided in a word problem; they are your keys to unlocking the solution. Having this critical information sets the stage for calculating the exact number of spools left at the end of the day. Without this data, the rest of the problem would be impossible to solve.

Calculating the Remaining Red Spools

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty and calculate how many red spools were left at the end of the day. Remember, we started with 34 red spools. To determine how many remain, we need to know how many were sold. Let's assume the problem provides that Smith's Fabric Store sold 12 red spools on Monday. To find the remaining number of red spools, we must subtract the number sold from the initial number of spools. This is a basic subtraction problem: initial spools - spools sold = remaining spools. So, in this case, 34 (initial) - 12 (sold) = 22. This means that at the end of the day, there were 22 red spools left. This straightforward calculation perfectly illustrates a fundamental arithmetic operation. It's a skill you'll use throughout your life, whether you're managing a budget, planning a project, or simply counting objects. Breaking this down further, let's imagine the problem gives us the information in a different way. We could be provided with a table or a graph showing the total sales of the red spools for that Monday. No matter how the information is presented, the core principle remains the same: we take the initial number and subtract what was sold. This process will remain the same. The ability to identify the information necessary to solve the problem is always a skill you should try to have. We need to use what is given to determine the correct solution. Remember to always double-check your work to avoid silly mistakes! Make sure the subtraction is accurate, and that you have correctly identified the number of spools sold. Accurate arithmetic is key to a correct answer! Once you've mastered this calculation, you'll be able to easily solve similar problems involving inventory management, resource tracking, or any scenario where you need to calculate the difference between a starting quantity and a reduced quantity.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Okay, let's break down the red spool calculation step by step: First, identify the initial number of red spools. Second, determine the number of red spools sold on Monday. Third, subtract the number of sold spools from the initial number of spools. Last, the answer is the remaining red spools at the end of the day. Let's say that the store sold 12 red spools. The subtraction would look like this: 34 (initial spools) - 12 (sold spools) = 22 (remaining spools). Therefore, there were 22 red spools left at the end of Monday. This method is incredibly useful. It can be applied in various situations, such as managing a store's inventory, tracking expenses, or even calculating the remaining balance in your bank account. The more you practice these types of calculations, the more comfortable and confident you'll become in solving similar problems. As you solve more problems, you will become faster, and the process will become more natural. Practice makes perfect. These steps can be adapted to solve a wide range of inventory problems. The underlying principle remains the same: identify the starting quantity, determine the amount used or sold, and subtract to find the remaining amount. By mastering this process, you gain a versatile tool for analyzing and solving many different types of problems in everyday life. Don't be afraid to try different problems, and always remember to double-check your work.

Calculating the Remaining Black Spools

Now, let's move on to the black spools. The process is exactly the same as with the red spools, but the initial quantity and the number of spools sold might be different. We started with 53 black spools. Let's say the problem states that Smith's Fabric Store sold 21 black spools on Monday. To find the remaining number of black spools, we subtract the number of black spools sold from the initial amount. So, the calculation would be: 53 (initial) - 21 (sold) = 32. This means there were 32 black spools left at the end of Monday. This calculation is a straightforward application of subtraction. It's a fundamental arithmetic skill that is very important. This calculation is similar to the red spools, showing that the core mathematical principle remains the same. The only thing that changes is the starting number and the number of spools sold. It reinforces the concept that we must analyze the problem and extract the specific numbers provided. It highlights the importance of reading comprehension. We need to be able to extract the key information. We must fully understand the problem. This process can be applied to many situations. We need to identify the initial quantity, the amount used or sold, and calculate the remaining amount. Being able to adapt this method will allow you to solve many problems. The more you work with it, the easier it becomes. You'll find that these types of calculations are incredibly useful in many aspects of daily life. Always double-check your work and make sure your subtraction is accurate. This will ensure you arrive at the correct answer! Practice will increase your speed and your confidence in solving problems like this.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Here’s how we break down the black spool calculation: First, start with the initial number of black spools. Second, figure out how many black spools were sold on Monday. Third, subtract the number of sold spools from the initial quantity. Fourth, the result is the number of black spools remaining at the end of the day. The example calculation is like this: 53 (initial spools) - 21 (sold spools) = 32 (remaining spools). Therefore, there were 32 black spools left at the end of Monday. This methodical approach can be applied in numerous scenarios, like inventory management and tracking. This structured method not only helps in solving the problem but also encourages organized thinking and attention to detail. This method makes it easier to work through a problem. Breaking the problem into smaller steps can reduce the risk of errors and allows for an easier way to understand the problem. Every step in this process is easily understood, making it an excellent method for beginners and those looking to enhance their problem-solving skills. By carefully following each step, you can confidently and accurately calculate the remaining number of spools, or any other items, in various situations. It reinforces the value of being organized. This strategy will help you solve many problems.

Putting It All Together and Conclusion

Alright, guys, let’s wrap things up! We've successfully calculated the remaining number of red and black spools at Smith's Fabric Store after Monday's sales. We found that there were 22 red spools and 32 black spools remaining. This problem demonstrates the practical application of basic subtraction in a real-world scenario. You can apply these skills to solve all sorts of practical problems. We started by understanding the problem. This involved identifying the information provided and what we needed to find. We then performed simple subtraction calculations to determine the remaining quantities. This highlights how math is not just an abstract concept; it's a tool that we use every day. Think of it like a puzzle. Each piece of information helps you solve the puzzle. Being able to break a problem down into smaller steps is important. We identified the important information and separated it from the less important things. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. This will build your confidence. The ability to perform these kinds of calculations is a valuable skill. It can be applied in many situations. The key takeaway here is that math is everywhere. We use it in all aspects of our lives. These are basic math skills that we use every day. Keep practicing, and you'll find that math can be fun and rewarding! This kind of problem helps build problem-solving abilities. It shows that by breaking a problem down into smaller steps, we can solve it. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you work with these types of problems, the more confident and skilled you will become.