Mastering Word Problems with Rational Numbers

The video tutorial covers solving word problems involving rational numbers, focusing on adding and subtracting integers, fractions, and decimals. It emphasizes using absolute values to determine distances in various scenarios, such as a dive, temperature changes, elevation differences, and plant growth. The tutorial highlights the importance of drawing diagrams to visualize problems and correctly apply mathematical operations.

Which of the following is a rational number?

• √2

• π

• 1/2

• e

Ryan dives from a platform 9.8 meters above water to 2.3 meters below the surface. What is the total distance of his dive?

• 7.5 meters

• 11.3 meters

• 12.1 meters

• 10.5 meters

When solving word problems involving distances, why is it important to use absolute values?

• To ensure the result is always positive

• To make the calculations easier

• To avoid using fractions

• To convert all numbers to integers

The high temperature in a town is 28.6°F and the low is -14.9°F. What is the temperature difference?

• 28.6°F

• 43.5°F

• 14.9°F

• 13.7°F

Why do we add the absolute values of temperatures when finding the difference between a high and a low temperature?

• To find the average temperature

• To ensure the difference is positive

• To convert temperatures to Celsius

• To simplify the calculation

A bird flies from -68 2/9 feet to 473 1/9 feet. What is the total elevation change?

• 600 feet

• 500 feet

• 541 1/3 feet

• 405 feet

When adding fractions with common denominators, what should you do?

• Multiply the numerators and denominators

• Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator

• Add both the numerators and denominators

• Add the numerators and keep the denominator

A seed is planted 3 1/4 inches below ground and grows 15 3/4 inches. How high is the plant above the ground?

• 10 inches

• 18 inches

• 15 inches

• 12 1/2 inches

Why do we subtract the absolute values when finding the height of a plant above the ground?

• To find the total growth

• To ensure the height is positive

• To find the portion above ground

• To convert inches to feet

What is the simplified form of 2/4?

• 1/4

• 1/2

• 2/2

• 3/4