Question

Jeff currently weighs 214 pounds. He plans to go on a diet and lose 4.5 pounds per month. How many pounds should he weigh after 5 months of dieting? (Note: You may not use a calculator.) (A) 186.4 (B) 191.5 (C) 195.5 (D) 199.5

Short answer

After 5 months of dieting, Jeff should weigh 191.5 pounds.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

Jeff weighs 214 pounds at the start and loses 4.5 pounds per month for 5 months. The problem seeks to find Jeff's weight after the stated period.

Calculate Total Weight Loss

First, calculate how much weight Jeff will lose over 5 months. To do this, multiply the weight loss per month (4.5 pounds) by the total number of months (5). Algebraically, this is represented as: \[ \text{{Total weight loss}} = \text{{Weight loss per month}} \times \text{{Number of months}} = 4.5 \times 5 \]

Perform the Multiplication

Carrying out the multiplication gives the total weight loss: \[ \text{{Total weight loss}} = 22.5 \text{{ pounds}} \] The weight loss over these 5 months is therefore 22.5 pounds.

Calculate Jeff's Weight After Dieting

To calculate Jeff's weight after 5 months of dieting, subtract the total weight loss from Jeff’s initial weight: \[ \text{{Final weight}} = \text{{Initial weight}} - \text{{Total Weight Loss}} = 214 - 22.5 \]

Perform the Subtraction

Performing the subtraction gives Jeff's weight after dieting for 5 months: \[ \text{{Final weight}} = 191.5 \text{{ pounds}} \] So, after 5 months of dieting, Jeff should weigh 191.5 pounds. The answer is (B) 191.5.

Key concepts

Arithmetics

Arithmetics involves basic mathematical operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In the context of the exercise, we apply these operations to solve a problem about weight loss.
Jeff starts with a certain weight and plans to lose a specific amount monthly. Each arithmetic operation contributes to finding the final result: his weight after a certain period.
To tackle problems like this, follow these basic steps:

• Identify the numbers involved (214 pounds, 4.5 pounds per month, 5 months).
• Select the correct arithmetic operation—multiplication to calculate total weight loss, subtraction to find the final weight.
• Perform the operations sequentially, ensuring each calculation is accurate.

These steps assist not only in solving weight-related problems but are also applicable across various everyday scenarios requiring basic math operations.

Word Problem Solving

Word problem solving is about interpreting and solving problems described in text. These require a careful understanding of the given details and the final goal—in Jeff's case, his weight after dieting.
Approach word problems systematically:

• Read and understand the problem fully. Identify what's given and what needs to be found.
• Translate words into mathematical operations; for example, 'lose 4.5 pounds per month' becomes a multiplication problem.
• Organize the information and operations clearly, using them to solve for the desired outcome—Jeff’s final weight.

By breaking down the problem and methodically applying math operations, word problems become more manageable and easier to understand.

GED Math Skills

GED math skills encompass a range of mathematical concepts needed for the General Educational Development (GED) tests. It combines the practical applications of arithmetics, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. For instance, solving real-world problems like Jeff's requires fundamental operations with numbers.
Handling such problems includes:

• Understanding fundamental math operations, as demonstrated by calculating Jeff's weight loss.
• Practicing application-based questions that are common in GED exams.
• Learning to solve problems without a calculator boosts confidence and enhances mental math skills, crucial for academic achievement and real-life scenarios.

Overall, mastering these skills prepares you for the GED, ensuring you can maneuver various mathematical challenges efficiently.