Question

On a fishing trip you catch a bass, a rock cod, and a salmon with masses of \(1.07 \mathrm{~kg}, 6.0 \mathrm{~kg}\), and \(6.05 \mathrm{~kg}\), respectively. What is the total mass of your catch?

Short answer

The total mass of the catch is 13.12 kg.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Given Values

The problem provides the masses of three different fish: the bass weighs 1.07 kg, the rock cod weighs 6.0 kg, and the salmon weighs 6.05 kg.

Formula for Total Mass

To find the total mass, we will add up the masses of all the fish. The formula to calculate the total mass is: \( \text{Total mass} = \text{mass of bass} + \text{mass of rock cod} + \text{mass of salmon} \).

Substitute the Given Values

Substitute the given masses into the formula: \( \text{Total mass} = 1.07 \text{ kg} + 6.0 \text{ kg} + 6.05 \text{ kg} \).

Perform the Addition

Add up the masses: \( 1.07 + 6.0 + 6.05 = 13.12 \).

Conclude the Total Mass

The total mass of your catch, combining the bass, rock cod, and salmon, is 13.12 kg.

Key concepts

Physics Problem Solving

When tackling physics problems, such as mass calculation, it's essential to follow a structured approach for clarity and accuracy. Begin by carefully identifying all the provided data in the problem statement. This includes understanding any numerical values and units given, here the masses of the fish.

• Clearly list each of these values to ensure none are overlooked during calculations.
• Next, determine what you are solving for; in this case, the total mass of the catch.
• Formulate any necessary equations or methods to arrive at the solution. Here, the equation is simple addition of the mass values.
• Double-check each step of your calculation for accuracy and coherence.

Following these steps not only helps achieve the correct answer but also ensures a deeper understanding of the problem solving process. Consistent practice with this structured methodology will enhance problem solving skills in physics.

Basic Arithmetic

Understanding basic arithmetic, particularly addition, is crucial for solving this mass calculation problem. Adding numbers, especially with decimals, requires careful alignment and attention.

• Begin by stacking the numbers vertically ensuring the decimal points are aligned. This alignment is important to maintain place values.
• Add each column starting from the rightmost side, progressing towards the left.
• Carry over any excess to the next column when a sum exceeds ten, just like in single-digit addition.

In the exercise, the sum was performed as follows:

• Add 1.07 kg, 6.0 kg, and 6.05 kg carefully to get the correct total of 13.12 kg.
• Each part of the operation is crucial; missing just one decimal can change the outcome.

Accurate arithmetic is fundamental in physics and daily life - mastering it with small numbers builds confidence for more complex calculations.

Measurement Units

Measurement units are the foundation of any scientific calculation. In this problem, all the fish masses are given in kilograms (kg), a standard unit of mass in the metric system.

• Ensure all measurements are in the same units before performing arithmetic.
• If they aren't, convert them accordingly using conversion factors (e.g., grams to kilograms: divide by 1000).
• This ensures uniformity and accuracy in calculations.

Understanding measurement units involves recognizing their importance in providing context to numbers. It is not enough to calculate a numerical result; knowing what each number represents through its unit communicates the scale and magnitude of the solution clearly. Without units, a number is just a number; with units, it tells a meaningful story.