Calculating Sand Mass In A Lorry A Step By Step Guide

This comprehensive guide provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to calculate the mass of sand loaded onto a lorry, offering a practical approach to solving this common mathematical problem. Understanding these calculations is crucial in various fields, including logistics, construction, and transportation. In this article, we will break down the problem, explore the underlying concepts, and provide a detailed solution, ensuring you grasp the process thoroughly.

The core of the problem lies in understanding the relationship between the mass of the empty lorry, the total mass when loaded, and the mass of the sand itself. The question presents a scenario where an empty lorry has a specific mass, and when it's loaded with sand, the total mass increases. Our task is to isolate and determine the mass of the sand alone. To achieve this, we need to apply a fundamental principle of mathematics: subtraction. By subtracting the mass of the empty lorry from the total mass of the loaded lorry, we can accurately find the mass of the sand. This concept is not only applicable to this specific problem but also forms the basis for solving various other mass-related calculations in different contexts. This principle is widely used in various real-world scenarios, such as determining the weight of cargo in a ship or the amount of material used in construction. Understanding this basic concept allows us to tackle more complex problems involving mass, volume, and density. Furthermore, this understanding is critical in ensuring accurate measurements and calculations in fields where precision is paramount, such as engineering and physics. The ability to apply this simple yet effective method can significantly enhance problem-solving skills and improve overall mathematical competence. We'll delve deeper into the step-by-step process to ensure complete clarity and understanding.

To effectively solve this problem, we must first carefully dissect the given information. The problem states two crucial pieces of data: the mass of the empty lorry and the mass of the lorry when it's loaded with sand. The mass of the empty lorry is given as 5900 kg. This represents the inherent weight of the vehicle without any additional load. It's a fixed value that serves as the baseline for our calculations. The second piece of information is the mass of the lorry when loaded with sand, which is 7295 kg. This value encompasses the combined weight of the lorry and the sand it carries. Understanding these two values is paramount because they form the foundation for our calculation. Essentially, the difference between these two masses represents the mass of the sand itself. We can visualize this as the total mass (lorry + sand) minus the mass of the lorry, which leaves us with the mass of the sand. This approach simplifies the problem and makes it easier to understand the underlying logic. The next step involves using these values in a simple mathematical operation to find the solution. By isolating these key pieces of information, we can confidently move forward in our problem-solving process. This systematic approach is critical for accurate calculations and a clear understanding of the solution. This meticulous breakdown ensures that we don't overlook any crucial details and allows us to proceed with precision.

With a clear understanding of the given information, we can now proceed to the calculation. The fundamental principle we employ here is subtraction. We subtract the mass of the empty lorry from the total mass of the loaded lorry. This can be represented as: Mass of Sand = Mass of Loaded Lorry – Mass of Empty Lorry. Substituting the given values, we get: Mass of Sand = 7295 kg – 5900 kg. Performing this subtraction, we find that the mass of the sand is 1395 kg. This calculation directly answers the question posed in the problem. It highlights the importance of accurate arithmetic and the application of basic mathematical principles. The simplicity of the calculation underscores the clarity of the problem-solving approach. By breaking down the problem into manageable steps, we can easily arrive at the correct answer. This method is not only effective for this particular problem but also applicable to a wide range of similar scenarios. Understanding how to perform this type of calculation is a valuable skill in various practical situations. It reinforces the concept of mass conservation and the relationship between different weights. The result, 1395 kg, is the definitive mass of the sand loaded onto the lorry. This precise calculation is essential for logistical planning, weight management, and ensuring safe transportation practices.

After performing the calculation, we've determined that the mass of the sand is 1395 kg. Now, we must identify the correct answer from the provided options. The options given are: A. 2795 kg, B. 2395 kg, C. 1395 kg, and D. 1385 kg. Comparing our calculated value (1395 kg) with the options, we can clearly see that option C, 1395 kg, matches our result. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. This step emphasizes the importance of verifying the calculated result against the provided choices. It ensures that we select the accurate response and avoid any errors in the final selection. This verification process is a crucial part of problem-solving, especially in multiple-choice questions. It helps to reinforce the understanding of the problem and the accuracy of the solution. By carefully comparing our result with the options, we can confidently choose the correct answer. This systematic approach not only helps in academic settings but also in real-world situations where accuracy and precision are paramount. The process of eliminating incorrect options and confirming the correct one is a valuable skill that enhances overall problem-solving abilities. It demonstrates a thorough understanding of the problem and the solution.

In conclusion, we've successfully calculated the mass of the sand loaded onto the lorry by systematically breaking down the problem, understanding the given information, performing the necessary calculation, and verifying the result. The accurate mass of the sand was determined to be 1395 kg. This exercise highlights the importance of accurate mass calculations in various practical applications. From logistics and transportation to construction and engineering, knowing the precise weight of materials is crucial for safety, efficiency, and compliance. Understanding these basic mathematical principles empowers us to solve real-world problems with confidence. The ability to accurately calculate mass is essential for ensuring that vehicles are not overloaded, structures are built safely, and resources are managed effectively. This problem-solving process also reinforces the value of methodical thinking and attention to detail. By following a step-by-step approach, we can tackle complex problems and arrive at accurate solutions. Furthermore, this exercise demonstrates the interconnectedness of mathematics and real-world scenarios. The principles we've applied here are fundamental and widely applicable across various disciplines. Therefore, mastering these concepts is an invaluable asset in both academic and professional pursuits. The importance of accurate mass calculation extends beyond simple arithmetic; it underpins many aspects of our daily lives and ensures the smooth functioning of various industries.

Original Question: The mass of an empty lorry is 5900 kg. The mass of the lorry when loaded with sand is 7295 kg. What is the mass of the sand?

Revised Question: How much does the sand weigh if an empty lorry weighs 5900 kg and the lorry loaded with sand weighs 7295 kg?