Using Algebra to Solve the Problem

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 5 views

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into a mathematical problem that involves fractions and algebraic thinking. Billy and Roberto are two students who are struggling to complete their homework, and we will use mathematical concepts to help them solve their problem. We will explore the concept of fractions, addition, and subtraction, and how they can be used to solve real-world problems.

The Problem

Billy did ${$ \frac{1}{6}$}$ of his homework on Friday. Roberto did ${$ \frac{1}{6}$}$ more on Saturday. Billy still had ${$ \frac{4}{6}$}$ to finish. How much of his homework did Billy do on Friday and Saturday?

Breaking Down the Problem

To solve this problem, we need to break it down into smaller parts. Let's start by analyzing the information given in the problem.

Billy did ${$ \frac{1}{6}$}$ of his homework on Friday.
Roberto did ${$ \frac{1}{6}$}$ more on Saturday.
Billy still had ${$ \frac{4}{6}$}$ to finish.

We can see that Billy did some work on Friday, and then Roberto did some more work on Saturday. However, we don't know how much work Billy did on Saturday. Let's assume that Billy did ${$ x$}$ of his homework on Saturday.

Using Algebra to Solve the Problem

We can use algebra to solve this problem. Let's start by setting up an equation based on the information given.

Billy did ${$ \frac{1}{6}$}$ of his homework on Friday.
Roberto did ${$ \frac{1}{6}$}$ more on Saturday, which means he did ${$ \frac{1}{6} + x$}$ of his homework on Saturday.
Billy still had ${$ \frac{4}{6}$}$ to finish.

We can set up an equation based on the fact that the total amount of homework Billy did on Friday and Saturday is equal to the amount of homework he had left to finish.

\frac{1}{6} + \left(\frac{1}{6} + x\right) = \frac{4}{6}

Simplifying the equation, we get:

\frac{2}{6} + x = \frac{4}{6}

Subtracting ${$ \frac{2}{6}$}$ from both sides, we get:

x = \frac{2}{6}

Simplifying further, we get:

x = \frac{1}{3}

This means that Billy did ${$ \frac{1}{3}$}$ of his homework on Saturday.

Finding the Total Amount of Homework Done

Now that we know how much homework Billy did on Saturday, we can find the total amount of homework he did on Friday and Saturday.

Billy did ${$ \frac{1}{6}$}$ of his homework on Friday.
Billy did ${$ \frac{1}{3}$}$ of his homework on Saturday.

To find the total amount of homework Billy did, we can add the two fractions together.

\frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{6} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{3}{6}

Simplifying further, we get:

\frac{3}{6} = \frac{1}{2}

This means that Billy did ${$ \frac{1}{2}$}$ of his homework on Friday and Saturday.

Conclusion

In this article, we used algebraic thinking and fraction addition to solve a mathematical problem involving Billy and Roberto. We broke down the problem into smaller parts, set up an equation, and solved for the unknown variable. We found that Billy did ${$ \frac{1}{2}$}$ of his homework on Friday and Saturday. This problem demonstrates the importance of algebraic thinking and fraction addition in solving real-world problems.

References

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/fractions
[2] Mathway. (n.d.). Algebra. Retrieved from https://www.mathway.com/algebra

Additional Resources

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Algebra. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra
[2] Mathway. (n.d.). Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.mathway.com/fractions
Billy's Homework Dilemma: A Mathematical Conundrum - Q&A =====================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored a mathematical problem involving Billy and Roberto, two students who are struggling to complete their homework. We used algebraic thinking and fraction addition to solve the problem and found that Billy did ${$ \frac{1}{2}$}$ of his homework on Friday and Saturday. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to the problem.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between a fraction and a decimal?

A: A fraction is a way of expressing a part of a whole as a ratio of two numbers. For example, ${$ \frac{1}{2}$}$ is a fraction that represents one half of a whole. A decimal is a way of expressing a fraction as a number with a point separating the whole number part from the fractional part. For example, ${ $0.5\$}$ is a decimal that represents the same value as ${$ \frac{1}{2}$}$.

Q: How do you add fractions with different denominators?

A: To add fractions with different denominators, you need to find a common denominator. The common denominator is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into evenly. For example, to add ${$ \frac1}{6}$}$ and ${$ \frac{1}{3}$}$, you need to find a common denominator. The least common multiple of 6 and 3 is 6, so you can rewrite ${$ \frac{1}{3}$}$ as ${$ \frac{2}{6}$}$. Then, you can add the fractions ${$ \frac{1{6} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{3}{6}$}$.

Q: How do you subtract fractions with different denominators?

A: To subtract fractions with different denominators, you need to find a common denominator. The common denominator is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into evenly. For example, to subtract ${$ \frac1}{6}$}$ from ${$ \frac{2}{6}$}$, you need to find a common denominator. The least common multiple of 6 and 6 is 6, so you can subtract the fractions ${$ \frac{2{6} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{1}{6}$}$.

Q: What is the difference between a variable and a constant?

A: A variable is a symbol that represents a value that can change. For example, ${$ x$}$ is a variable that can represent any value. A constant is a value that does not change. For example, ${ $5\$}$ is a constant that represents a fixed value.

Q: How do you solve an equation with a variable?

A: To solve an equation with a variable, you need to isolate the variable on one side of the equation. This means that you need to get the variable by itself, without any other values attached to it. For example, to solve the equation ${$ x + 2 = 5$}$, you need to isolate the variable ${$ x$}$. You can do this by subtracting 2 from both sides of the equation: ${$ x + 2 - 2 = 5 - 2$}$, which simplifies to ${$ x = 3$}$.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions related to the mathematical problem involving Billy and Roberto. We covered topics such as fractions, decimals, adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators, variables, and solving equations with variables. We hope that this article has helped to clarify any confusion and provide a better understanding of the mathematical concepts involved.

References

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/fractions
[2] Mathway. (n.d.). Algebra. Retrieved from https://www.mathway.com/algebra

Additional Resources

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Algebra. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra
[2] Mathway. (n.d.). Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.mathway.com/fractions