Problem 135 - Prealgebra

Question

Calories Paulette had a grilled chicken salad, ranch dressing, and a 16-ounce drink for lunch. On the restaurant’s nutrition chart, she saw that each item had the following number of calories: Grilled chicken salad – 320 calories Ranch dressing – 170 calories 16-ounce drink – 150 calories What was the total number of calories of Paulette’s lunch?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Paulette's lunch had 640 calories.

Step 1: Identify Calories of Each Item

Grilled chicken salad has 320 calories, ranch dressing has 170 calories, and the 16-ounce drink has 150 calories.

Step 2: Add Calories Together

Add the calories from all the items: 320 (salad) + 170 (dressing) + 150 (drink).

Step 3: Calculate the Sum

Combine the calories: 320 + 170 = 490 490 + 150 = 640.

Key Concepts

addition

Addition is a fundamental math concept used in many everyday calculations. When trying to find the total number of calories in a meal, you add the calories from each item.
For example, if you have a grilled chicken salad with 320 calories, ranch dressing with 170 calories, and a 16-ounce drink with 150 calories, you need to sum these values.
You start by adding 320 and 170, which gives you 490 calories. Then, add the 150 calories from the drink.
Now, 490 + 150 equals 640 calories.
So, Paulette’s lunch totals 640 calories.

• Remember to align the numbers by their place values.
• Always double-check your calculations to avoid errors.

Simple addition helps solve numerous real-world problems involving totals.

nutrition

Understanding nutrition can help you make informed choices about what you eat.
It’s about knowing the calorie content and nutritional benefits of food items.
For instance, Paulette chose a grilled chicken salad (320 calories), a nutritious choice. The ranch dressing adds 170 calories, and the 16-ounce drink adds another 150 calories.
Calories are a unit of energy, and knowing how many you consume helps manage your dietary needs.
Balancing calorie intake and maintaining a good mix of nutrients (like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) leads to healthier eating habits.

• Check nutrition charts for calorie details.
• Consider the health benefits of each ingredient.

Healthy eating is key to maintaining energy levels and overall health.

problem solving

Problem solving is a skill that helps in tackling questions like finding the total number of calories in a meal.
It involves identifying the data you have, determining the steps needed to find the solution, and executing those steps correctly.
In Paulette’s case, the data are the calories for each food item.

• First, identify the calories for the grilled chicken salad, ranch dressing, and the drink.
• Next, add these numbers together to find the total calorie count.

By following a step-by-step approach, like in the example, you ensure each part is handled carefully, making the process simple and straightforward.
Being methodical and following clear steps leads to accurate results.

total calories

Total calories refer to the sum of calories from all consumed food items.
Calculating total calories helps in monitoring and regulating daily caloric intake.
For example, Paulette's lunch included:

• Grilled chicken salad: 320 calories
• Ranch dressing: 170 calories
• 16-ounce drink: 150 calories

Adding these gives: 320 + 170 = 490 and then 490 + 150 = 640.
So, her lunch had a total of 640 calories.
Knowing the total calories is essential for maintaining a balanced diet and achieving nutritional goals.
It's particularly important for weight management and ensuring sufficient energy levels for daily activities.