So we were sitting on the sofa, after the kids were in bed.  And I brought up how some of Josiah's word problems are really hard and one today kicked my rear was a little difficult to figure out.  Something about Beaker A holding 200 ml. and Beaker B being 1 1/2 times as large as Beaker C, and when you add Beaker B and C they equal 1500 ml...  it made my eyes glaze over and I just told Josiah to forget it, we'd figure it out some other time. Bad Mama.  Bad, Bad, Bad.

And What numbers are represented by the following letters:

       A  B  C

+     C  B  A

_________

    B B C B

Anyway, we spent a good 45 minutes reading and solving Math.  I think we need a life.  8 Children doesn't seem to be enough.

So I tell Eric how Angela has been doing 2 math lessons a day, since I explained that when she completes Algebra 1, 2, and Geometry she is done with math forever if she wants to be.  He said, "But Calculus is so much fun!"

My response, "Whoever needs Calculus anyway?"

Eye roll... "You like that computer you type on every day?  'Nuff Said."

I am so glad I am married to a smart guy so I can have the kids call him when we are stumped with a math problem.  Math is an evil necessity for me. 

I'm off to balance the checkbook...

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Posted by Jeremy S

Well. . . A is irrelevant to the equation. It's meant to through you off. If B is 11/2 bigger then C and they both add up to 1500ml then you have:
B = 11/2C
11/2C +C = 1500 or 5 1/2C + C = 1500
6 1/2C = 1500
C = 230.76 so B =11/2 x 230.76 or 1269.18 ml and C = 230.76 ml.

Do I get a gold star? :-)

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Posted by Jeremy S

Oh and ABC + CBA = BBCB

A = 8
B = 1
C = 3

813 + 318 = 1138 or BBCB

2 Stars please! :-)

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Posted by Petersonclan

Ummm... I'm not sure. You lost me at 1 1/2 C. I cannot believe I am doing this, but ...

1.5X + x = 1500 ml.
2.5x= 1500 ml.
x= 1500 / 2.5
x= 600.

You are right about the ABC problem, though. So I give you 1 star for that one and 1/2 a star for confusing the teacher enough to sound good. :)

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Posted by Petersonclan

I forgot to say that this is in a 3rd grade math book for Singapore!!! (Level 3B)! Yikes!

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