# Thread: Assistance with algebra word problem

1. ## Assistance with algebra word problem

Explain why it would be easy to interpret the picture incorrectly as showing that 4*3\5=12\20. Explain how to interpret the picture correctly, and explain why your interpretation fits with the meaning of 4*3\5

picture

(5 rectangles divided into each whole box. 3 are shaded and 2 are unshaded in each box)

2. ## Re: Assistance with algebra word problem

If there are four whole boxes, here's how the picture could be interpreted incorrectly.
"There are 5 rectangles total for each whole box, 3 of which are filled in. When there are four such boxes, there are 20 rectangles total with 12 shaded in. Hence $\frac{4*3}{5} = \frac{12}{20}$"

This interpretation is incorrect because we are multiplying the number of shaded and unshaded boxes by 4. and so a true interpretation of the picture would be $\frac{4}{4} * \frac{3}{5} = \frac{12}{20}$
The text passage contains a discussion about an algebra word problem and an explanation of how to interpret a picture correctly and incorrectly. It includes a mathematical question and an answer provided in the response.
single_question_with_answer
Given a text passage, determine:
    1. If it contains a mathematical question (including word problems or calculations)
    2. If an answer to that mathematical question is provided in the text

First, describe the content structure you found in 1-2 sentences.

Then provide your analysis in the following format:
TYPE: <one of the following values>
- NO_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION_WITH_ANSWER
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS_WITH_ANSWERS
system
# Thread: Assistance with algebra word problem

1. ## Assistance with algebra word problem

Explain why it would be easy to interpret the picture incorrectly as showing that 4*3\5=12\20. Explain how to interpret the picture correctly, and explain why your interpretation fits with the meaning of 4*3\5

picture

(5 rectangles divided into each whole box. 3 are shaded and 2 are unshaded in each box)

2. ## Re: Assistance with algebra word problem

If there are four whole boxes, here's how the picture could be interpreted incorrectly.
"There are 5 rectangles total for each whole box, 3 of which are filled in. When there are four such boxes, there are 20 rectangles total with 12 shaded in. Hence $\frac{4*3}{5} = \frac{12}{20}$"

This interpretation is incorrect because we are multiplying the number of shaded and unshaded boxes by 4. and so a true interpretation of the picture would be $\frac{4}{4} * \frac{3}{5} = \frac{12}{20}$
user
The text passage contains a discussion about an algebra word problem and an explanation of how to interpret a picture correctly and incorrectly. It includes a mathematical question and an answer provided in the response.

TYPE: SINGLE_QUESTION_WITH_ANSWER