Problem 84 - Prealgebra

Question

Checkbook Balance Kendra has a balance of \(20 in her checkbook. If she deposits \)45 and then writes a check for $15, what is the new balance in her check-book?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Kendra's new checkbook balance is $50.

Step 1: Understand the Initial Balance

Kendra's initial balance in her checkbook is $20. This is the amount she starts with before any transactions.

Step 2: Add the Deposit Amount

Kendra deposits $45 into her checkbook. To calculate the new balance after the deposit, add 45 to her initial balance of 20. New balance after deposit = 20 + 45 = 65.

Step 3: Subtract the Amount for the Check

Kendra writes a check for $15. Subtract this amount from her balance after the deposit to find the new balance. New balance after writing the check = 65 - 15 = 50.

Key Concepts

Understanding Addition and Subtraction Basics

Addition and subtraction are the core operations that help us handle numbers efficiently in daily life. In this exercise, we see how these basic arithmetic operations allow Kendra to manage her checkbook balance. In general, addition is a way of combining two or more quantities to find a total. For example, Kendra starts with \(20 and adds a deposit of \)45 using the addition operation: \[ 20 + 45 = 65 \]Subtracting is the process of taking away one quantity from another. In the exercise, after Kendra has added a deposit, she writes a check for $15. This amount needs to be subtracted from the current total to find the new balance: \[ 65 - 15 = 50 \]The important point to remember here is the sequence in which these operations are performed. One must first perform any additions to the balance before proceeding with subtractions.

Financial Literacy Through Practical Math

Financial literacy involves understanding how to manage to use and track money smartly. By solving a simple math problem like balancing a checkbook, individuals, like Kendra, can learn important financial concepts. Every time we make a deposit or write a check, it's a real-world application of addition and subtraction that affects our finances. Knowing the exact balance helps us make informed decisions about our spending and savings. Teaching these skills early can significantly contribute to better financial health and practices, such as:

• Recognizing the importance of knowing one's financial standing.
• Understanding how deposits and expenses impact overall balance.
• Planning and preparing for future financial goals.

Practical tasks like balancing a checkbook boost confidence in managing personal finance effectively.

Effective Math Problem Solving Strategies

When approaching math problems, especially those concerning real life, developing a clear problem-solving strategy is crucial. In Kendra's checkbook balance scenario, we observed a straightforward method that can be applied to similar problems. A structured approach involves:

Understanding the problem and separating different parts of it, like recognizing initial amounts.

Applying the correct operations; knowing when to add (for deposits) and subtract (for checks written).

Calculating in steps to ensure each operation is clear and makes sense sequentially, as seen when calculating the new balance step-by-step.

These strategies encourage logical thinking and make it easier to tackle diverse problems. Staying organized in your calculations not only simplifies the process but also improves accuracy and efficiency in finding solutions.