Calculate (72/5) * 4: Step-by-Step Solution

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Calculating (72/5) * 4: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Let's dive into a math problem today that might seem tricky at first, but I promise we'll break it down so it's super easy to understand. We're tackling the question: What is 72 divided by 5, then multiplied by 4? This involves a couple of basic arithmetic operations, division and multiplication, and we'll go through each step carefully to make sure we get the right answer. Math can be fun, especially when we understand the process, so let's get started!

Understanding the Order of Operations

Before we jump into the calculation, it's crucial to understand the order of operations. You might have heard of the acronym PEMDAS or BODMAS, which helps us remember the order:

  • Parentheses / Brackets
  • Exponents / Orders
  • Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
  • Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

In our case, we have division and multiplication. According to the order of operations, we perform these from left to right. So, we'll first divide 72 by 5 and then multiply the result by 4. Keeping this order in mind is essential to avoid mistakes and arrive at the correct solution. Remember, math is like building with LEGOs; you need to put the pieces together in the right sequence to create something amazing!

Step 1: Dividing 72 by 5

Okay, let’s get to the first part of our problem: dividing 72 by 5. This might seem daunting if you try to do it in your head, but don't worry, we'll take it step by step. Think of it as sharing 72 cookies among 5 friends. How many cookies does each friend get? To find out, we perform the division.

When we divide 72 by 5, we get a quotient and possibly a remainder. 5 goes into 7 one time, leaving us with 2. We bring down the 2 from 72, making it 22. Now, 5 goes into 22 four times (5 * 4 = 20), with a remainder of 2. So, 72 divided by 5 is 14 with a remainder of 2. But to continue and get a decimal answer, we add a decimal point and a zero to 72, making it 72.0. We bring down the zero, making our new number 20. 5 goes into 20 exactly four times. So, 72 divided by 5 is 14.4.

Long division is our friend here! It’s a powerful tool for breaking down larger division problems into smaller, manageable steps. Practice it, and you’ll become a division whiz in no time! Understanding this step is fundamental because it sets the stage for the next operation.

Step 2: Multiplying 14.4 by 4

Now that we've nailed the division part, let's move on to the multiplication. We need to multiply the result we got in the previous step, 14.4, by 4. This step is crucial because it combines the result of our division with the next operation, bringing us closer to the final answer.

Multiplying decimals might seem a bit tricky, but it's actually quite straightforward. You can think of it as multiplying whole numbers first and then placing the decimal point in the correct spot. So, let's multiply 144 by 4 (ignoring the decimal for now). 4 times 4 is 16, carry the 1. 4 times 4 is 16 plus the carried 1 is 17, carry the 1. 4 times 1 is 4 plus the carried 1 is 5. So, 144 times 4 is 576. Now, we need to place the decimal point. Since 14.4 has one decimal place, our answer will also have one decimal place. So, we put the decimal point one place from the right in 576, giving us 57.6.

Therefore, 14. 4 multiplied by 4 is 57.6. Multiplication is like the opposite of division; it's the process of combining equal groups. Mastering multiplication, especially with decimals, is a valuable skill in everyday math and problem-solving.

The Final Answer: 57.6

Alright, guys, we've reached the end of our mathematical journey! We started with the question: What is 72 divided by 5, then multiplied by 4? We broke it down into two manageable steps: first, we divided 72 by 5, which gave us 14.4. Then, we multiplied 14.4 by 4, which resulted in 57.6. So, the final answer is 57.6.

It’s fantastic how we used the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) to guide us through this problem. Remember, math isn't just about getting the right answer; it's about understanding the process. We used long division and decimal multiplication, two powerful tools in our math toolbox. Every step we took built upon the previous one, leading us to the solution. Congratulations, you've successfully tackled this problem!

Real-World Applications

You might be wondering, “Okay, that’s cool, but where would I ever use this in real life?” Well, math problems like this pop up more often than you think! Imagine you're splitting a bill at a restaurant. If the total bill is $72 and there are 5 of you, you'd first divide $72 by 5 to see how much each person owes before any additional costs. Then, if you decide to add a 4% tip, you'd multiply that individual share by 1.04 (which is 1 + 4%). Understanding these basic operations can help you manage your finances, plan events, or even bake a cake!

Another example could be in cooking. If a recipe calls for ingredients for 5 servings but you need to make it for 4, you might need to adjust the quantities. If one ingredient is 72 grams, you'd divide by 5 to find the amount per serving, then multiply by 4 to get the amount needed for your adjusted recipe. Math is everywhere, making it a super useful skill to have.

Practice Makes Perfect

Now that you've seen how to solve this problem, the best way to get even better is to practice! Try making up similar problems with different numbers. Challenge yourself to solve them without a calculator. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in your math skills. Think of each problem as a puzzle to solve; it's a great way to keep your mind sharp and have fun at the same time.

You can also explore different types of problems. What if we added another operation, like addition or subtraction? How would that change the steps we take? Exploring variations like this can deepen your understanding and prepare you for even more complex challenges.

Key Takeaways

Let's recap the key takeaways from our mathematical adventure today:

  1. Order of Operations: Always remember PEMDAS/BODMAS. Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).
  2. Division and Multiplication: These are fundamental operations that you'll use in countless situations. Mastering them is crucial.
  3. Step-by-Step Approach: Breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps makes them less intimidating and easier to solve.
  4. Real-World Applications: Math is not just abstract; it's a tool that helps us in everyday life.
  5. Practice: The more you practice, the better you'll become. Make math a regular part of your routine.

Conclusion: You've Got This!

So there you have it, guys! We successfully calculated (72/5) * 4 and found the answer to be 57.6. We walked through each step, explained the reasoning, and even looked at some real-world applications. Math might seem intimidating sometimes, but with a little practice and a step-by-step approach, you can conquer any problem.

Remember, math is like a superpower; it allows you to understand the world in a whole new way. Keep exploring, keep practicing, and most importantly, keep having fun with it! You’ve got this! Now, go out there and tackle some more math challenges. Who knows what amazing things you'll discover?