MATH 10 WINGS Problem Set #4

12. The price of each item at the Gauss Gadget Store has been reduced by 20% from its original price. An MP3 player has a sale price of $112. What would the same MP3 player sell for if it was on sale for 30% off its original price?

This question is asking, what is the price of the MP3, at 30% off?

To solve this question, you know that the MP3 player has already been reduced down 20% to $112. So, that leaves you with the unsaid statement that the $112 is 80% of the original price. First, you must find the original price of the MP3. In order to do that, you take the 80% (0.8) and divide it by the given sale price ($112). The equation should now look like: $112 divided by 0.8= $140. The original price of the MP3 is $140. Now, to find the 30% of the original price ($140). You take the original price ($140), and multiply it by the 30% off (0.3). The equation should look like: $140 multiplied by 0.3= $42. Take the $42, and have it subtracted from the original price. The equation should now look like: $140-$42= $98. The same MP3 player would be $98 since it is 30% of its original price.

Why do I like this question?
      I like this question because it is really relevant to everyday life. Whenever you go shopping, and the sign says that there is a sale, it usually also says how much percent is off the original price. If you don't know the original price, then this problem solving question was a good example of how to find the original price. Then, you can assess how much you are saving, and be more economically smart.

What have you learned about the process of problem solving?
     I have learned about the process of problem solving, is that when you learn something so simple, and yet such a great part of society, you know that God has blessed you with this knowledge, and that you can apply it to your life.

Reflection on the Math Wings Field Trip to UBC

1) 10 new things I have learned about mathematics:

• On a plane, the pythagorean theorem is true, however, at the north pole this isn't correct and isn't possible.
• The pythagorean theorem is true, and we were taught how to prove it.
• The basis for trigonometry is pythagorean theorem.
• There are an infinate number of pythagorean triplets.
• There are no fractions that work in the equation: x^3+y^3=1
• The name for the symbol that is used for measuring an angle (θ), is called theta. 
• There are seven millenium (world wide) problems created in 2000, and there is a million dollar reward for each problem if you solve it. 
• Fermat's Last Theorem is not one of the seven millenium (million dollar) problems.
• Carl Gauss amazed his teacher by quickly summing up all the integers between one and one hundred.
• Carl Gauss was just as good of a mathematician as Isaac Newton, but not as well known.

2) What have you learned from The Talk?

• I have learned that the pythagorean theorem is in fact true, and it is possible to prove it. During the first part of The Talk, we discussed and figured out how to prove that the pythagorean theorem is valid. true.

3) How does The Workshop help you in future math learning?

• The Workshop helps me in future math learning by that it directs its questions to everyday activities and not just some useless questions which don't have any impact on everyday needs. They make us notice the possible alternative means of solving questions which are present in everyday circumstances.

Math 10 Wings Problem Set #3

Carly takes three steps to walk the same distance as Jim walks in four steps. Each of Carly's steps covers 0.5 meters. How many meters does Jim travel in 24 steps?


This question is wondering how many meters does it take for Jim to travel in 24 steps.

In order to solve this question, you must take all of the integers (3,4,0.5, and 24) and use them to answer this question. Firstly, we want to know how many meters Carly walks in three steps. So, we take the integers 3 and 0.5, and multiply them together to get a product of 1.5 meters for three steps. Secondly, we want to figure out how many meters each of Jim's steps are. So, we take 1.5 meters ( Carly and Jim both traveled the same distance of 1.5 meters, it just took Carly three steps, and Jim four steps), and divide it by Jim's 4 steps, and we get a quotient of 0.375 meters per step. Lastly, we multiply Jim's 0.375 meters per step by 24 steps, and we get a product of 9 meters. Jim travels 9 meters in 24 steps.

Why do I like this question?
  I like this question because the first time I attempted to do it, I got it wrong, and so I was determined to correctly answer it. I also like it because it is somewhat relevant in being applied to everyday life.

What have you learned about the process of problem solving?
  I have learned that in order to complete a question, in most cases, you have to use all of the information given. When I attempeted to complete it earlier, I got a wrong answer because I dismissed some of the information and I had thought that it was uninportant.