Question

Since I withdrew money from my bank account, the (number, amount) of dollars in the account is now (fewer, less).

Short answer

The correct sentence is: 'Since I withdrew money from my bank account, the number of dollars in the account is now fewer.'

Step-by-step solution

Identify what is to be quantified

In this case, the problem refers to 'the number of dollars', which is a quantifiable or countable amount.

Select the appropriate quantifier

Since we're referring to a countable number of objects (dollars), the correct word to use is 'fewer'.

Key concepts

Countable vs Uncountable Nouns

In English grammar, nouns are categorized into two types: countable and uncountable. Understanding the difference between these two is essential for making correct word choices, especially when it comes to describing the quantity or amount of objects.
Countable nouns are nouns that can be counted individually. They often have both singular and plural forms. For example:

• One apple, two apples
• A dollar, ten dollars

When you can ask 'how many?' about something, it's likely a countable noun. On the other hand, uncountable nouns cannot be counted individually. They don't typically have a plural form and often describe a mass or a collection of similar entities. Examples include:

• Water
• Information
• Money

When you ask 'how much?', you are usually referring to an uncountable noun. Recognizing whether a noun is countable or uncountable can significantly affect the choice of words you need for a sentence, such as in the exercise where 'dollars' are countable, leading us to use 'fewer'.

Quantifiers in Grammar

Quantifiers are words or phrases used before nouns to express quantity or amount. Picking the correct quantifier depends on whether the noun is countable or uncountable. For instance, when dealing with countable nouns, we use quantifiers like:

• Few
• Many
• Several
• Each

For uncountable nouns, the options change slightly:

• Much
• Little
• A bit of
• A great deal of

In situations where you encounter a countable noun like 'dollars,' the appropriate quantifier from our options would be 'fewer' since it pertains to something that can be counted, as showcased in the solution.
This distinction is crucial because if you used 'less' instead, it would indicate a misunderstanding of whether dollars are countable or not. Grasping these quantifier uses enhances clarity and accuracy in communication.

Mathematical Problem-solving

Mathematical problem-solving is a process through which one applies critical thinking skills and quantitative reasoning to find solutions to problems involving numbers or shapes. In the context of our exercise, solving the problem involved applying logical steps to determine the appropriate words to describe the situation correctly.
Let's look at how this overlaps with grammar:

• Identifying the Problem: Recognize what's being discussed. In this exercise, it's about the quantity of money.
• Choosing the Right Tools: This involves using the right grammatical rules and quantifiers for countable nouns like dollars.
• Logical Thinking: As evidenced in the exercise, solving a problem often follows systematic reasoning, evaluating each option carefully.

Mathematical problem-solving isn't just about numbers. It teaches us logical reasoning that can be applied in a broader context to grammar and language, demonstrating how closely linked our problem-solving skills are across different disciplines.