Calculating The Cost Of 1 1/2 Dozen Lemon Candies At 3 For 15 Cents

Introduction

This article dives into a practical math problem involving the cost of lemon candies. We'll explore how to calculate the price of $1 \frac{1}{2}$ dozen lemon candies when they are sold at a rate of 3 for 15 cents. This is a common type of problem that involves understanding unit prices, dozens, and basic arithmetic. Whether you're a student learning about these concepts or just someone who enjoys a good math challenge, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the solution clearly. Our primary keyword here is lemon candies cost calculation, and we'll ensure that this term is highlighted throughout the article to maintain focus and SEO relevance.

Understanding the Problem

At the core of our problem is understanding the relationship between the number of candies and their cost. The information we have is that lemon candies are sold at 3 for 15 cents. This gives us a unit price to work with. However, we need to find the cost for $1 \frac{1}{2}$ dozen candies. Here, the term “dozen” comes into play. One dozen means 12 items, so $1 \frac{1}{2}$ dozen is equivalent to 18 candies. To solve this, we first need to determine the cost of one candy and then multiply that cost by the total number of candies we want to buy. This involves simple division and multiplication, key skills in everyday math. Remember, our keyword remains lemon candies cost calculation, ensuring we stay focused on the core topic. The problem requires us to break it down into smaller, manageable steps, which is a common strategy in problem-solving. First, we find the cost per candy, and then we scale that up to the desired quantity. This methodical approach ensures accuracy and clarity in our solution.

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's break down the solution into clear steps. Our main keyword is still lemon candies cost calculation, and we’ll keep it in mind as we proceed.

Step 1: Find the cost per candy

We know that 3 lemon candies cost 15 cents. To find the cost of one candy, we divide the total cost by the number of candies:

15 cents / 3 candies = 5 cents per candy

So, each candy costs 5 cents. This is a crucial piece of information because it forms the basis for our next calculations. Understanding the individual cost allows us to scale up to any quantity we need.

Step 2: Calculate the total number of candies

We need to find the cost of $1 \frac{1}{2}$ dozen lemon candies. First, we convert $1 \frac{1}{2}$ dozen into a numerical value:

$1 \frac{1}{2}$ = 1.5

1. 5 dozen = 1.5 * 12 candies

2. 5 dozen = 18 candies

Thus, $1 \frac{1}{2}$ dozen candies is equal to 18 candies. This conversion is important because we now know exactly how many candies we need to calculate the total cost for.

Step 3: Calculate the total cost

Now that we know the cost per candy (5 cents) and the total number of candies (18), we can calculate the total cost by multiplying these two values:

18 candies * 5 cents/candy = 90 cents

So, 18 lemon candies will cost 90 cents. This final step brings together all the previous calculations to provide the answer to our original problem. By breaking it down into smaller steps, we've made the solution clear and easy to follow.

Final Answer

Therefore, $1 \frac{1}{2}$ dozen lemon candies will cost 90 cents. This completes our lemon candies cost calculation. By following a step-by-step approach, we’ve successfully solved the problem. Understanding each step is crucial for tackling similar problems in the future. The ability to break down a problem into smaller parts and address each part systematically is a valuable skill in mathematics and everyday life.

Additional Tips and Tricks

While solving problems like the lemon candies cost calculation, here are some additional tips and tricks that can help you:

• Double-Check Your Work: Always double-check your calculations to ensure accuracy. A small mistake in one step can lead to a wrong final answer.
• Use Unit Analysis: Pay attention to the units you're working with (e.g., cents, candies, dozens). Make sure your units are consistent throughout your calculations.
• Estimate Your Answer: Before doing the exact calculation, try to estimate the answer. This can help you identify if your final answer is reasonable.
• Break Down Complex Problems: As we did in this article, break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps. This makes the problem less daunting and easier to solve.
• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become at solving these types of problems. Regular practice builds confidence and improves your problem-solving skills.

Applying these tips will not only help you in solving mathematical problems but also in making informed decisions in everyday situations. Remember, our primary keyword, lemon candies cost calculation, encompasses a broader range of similar problems that can be solved using the same principles.

Real-World Applications

Understanding how to calculate the cost of items, like in our lemon candies cost calculation example, has numerous real-world applications. This skill is essential for:

• Budgeting: Whether you're planning a grocery trip or managing your personal finances, knowing how to calculate costs helps you stay within your budget.
• Shopping: When you're at the store, you can quickly calculate the price per item to compare different products and make the best choice.
• Cooking and Baking: Recipes often require you to scale ingredients up or down, which involves similar calculations.
• Business and Finance: Businesses use these calculations for pricing products, managing inventory, and making financial projections.

In each of these scenarios, the ability to accurately calculate costs is invaluable. By mastering the basic principles of our lemon candies cost calculation, you’re equipping yourself with a practical skill that will benefit you in many aspects of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calculating the cost of $1 \frac{1}{2}$ dozen lemon candies, when they are sold at 3 for 15 cents, is a straightforward problem that highlights the importance of unit price calculations and basic arithmetic. Our step-by-step solution demonstrated how to break down the problem into smaller parts, making it easier to understand and solve. We started by finding the cost per candy, then converted dozens to individual units, and finally calculated the total cost. The final answer was 90 cents, showcasing the practical application of these mathematical concepts.

Throughout this article, our keyword, lemon candies cost calculation, has been central to our discussion. We've not only solved the problem but also provided additional tips and tricks for similar calculations, emphasized real-world applications, and reinforced the importance of practicing these skills. Whether you’re a student, a shopper, or anyone dealing with everyday finances, the ability to calculate costs accurately is essential. By mastering these basic mathematical principles, you can make informed decisions and tackle a variety of practical problems with confidence. Remember, mathematics is not just an academic subject; it’s a tool that empowers you in numerous aspects of your life.