Calculating The Cost Of 21.5 Kg Basmati Rice At ₹61.95 Per Kg

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into a common mathematical problem encountered in everyday life: calculating the cost of goods based on their weight. Specifically, we will address the question of finding the cost of 21.5 kg of Basmati rice, given that the cost of 1 kg of the same rice is ₹61.95. This exercise not only reinforces basic arithmetic skills but also highlights the practical application of mathematics in real-world scenarios. Understanding how to perform such calculations accurately is essential for effective budgeting, shopping, and financial planning. We will break down the problem step by step, ensuring clarity and comprehension for readers of all backgrounds.

Understanding the Problem

To effectively tackle this problem, it's essential to first clearly understand the information provided and what we are being asked to find. The question gives us two key pieces of information: the cost of 1 kg of Basmati rice (₹61.95) and the quantity of rice we want to purchase (21.5 kg). Our objective is to determine the total cost of this quantity of rice. This is a straightforward multiplication problem, but it's important to set it up correctly. Misinterpreting the information or applying the wrong operation can lead to an incorrect answer. Therefore, we will start by reiterating the given information and explicitly stating what we need to calculate. This foundational step is crucial for ensuring accuracy and building confidence in our solution.

Identifying the Given Information

Let's begin by explicitly stating the given information. We know that:

• The cost of 1 kg of Basmati rice is ₹61.95.
• We want to find the cost of 21.5 kg of Basmati rice.

This seemingly simple step is crucial because it helps us to focus on the core elements of the problem. By isolating the knowns and the unknown, we can approach the calculation with a clear understanding of what we need to do. This process is particularly helpful when dealing with more complex problems, where the relevant information might be buried within a larger body of text. Identifying the key data points is the first step towards successful problem-solving.

Determining the Required Calculation

Now that we have identified the given information, we need to determine the correct mathematical operation to use. In this case, we are given the cost per unit (1 kg) and the total quantity (21.5 kg), and we need to find the total cost. This scenario clearly calls for multiplication. To find the total cost of 21.5 kg of Basmati rice, we will multiply the cost of 1 kg by the quantity we want to purchase. This can be expressed as:

Total cost = Cost per kg × Quantity in kg

This understanding of the relationship between cost, quantity, and total price is fundamental to many real-world calculations. By recognizing this relationship, we can confidently set up the problem for a solution.

Step-by-Step Solution

With a clear understanding of the problem and the required calculation, we can now proceed with the step-by-step solution. This section will break down the multiplication process into manageable steps, making it easier to follow and understand. We will also discuss the importance of paying attention to decimal places when performing multiplication, as this is a common area for errors. By presenting the solution in a structured manner, we aim to provide a clear and accurate guide to solving this type of problem.

Setting up the Multiplication

Based on our previous analysis, we know that we need to multiply the cost of 1 kg of Basmati rice (₹61.95) by the quantity we want to purchase (21.5 kg). This can be written as:

Total cost = ₹61.95 × 21.5

Setting up the equation correctly is crucial for arriving at the correct answer. This step ensures that we are performing the right calculation and that our subsequent steps will lead us to the desired result. Proper setup also helps in organizing our work, making it easier to review and check for errors.

Performing the Multiplication

Now, let's perform the multiplication. When multiplying numbers with decimals, it's often helpful to ignore the decimal points initially and multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers. We can then account for the decimal points in the final answer. So, we will multiply 6195 by 215.

6195 × 215 = 1331925

This is the product of the two numbers without considering the decimal points. The next step is to correctly place the decimal point in the result.

Accounting for Decimal Places

To account for the decimal places, we need to count the total number of decimal places in the original numbers being multiplied. In this case, ₹61.95 has two decimal places, and 21.5 has one decimal place. Therefore, the total number of decimal places is 2 + 1 = 3. This means that our final answer should have three decimal places. So, we count three places from the right in the product 1331925 and place the decimal point:

1331.925

Therefore, the total cost of 21.5 kg of Basmati rice is ₹1331.925.

Final Answer

After performing the multiplication and accounting for the decimal places, we arrive at the final answer. The cost of 21.5 kg of Basmati rice is ₹1331.925. However, in practical terms, currency is usually expressed to two decimal places. Therefore, we need to round our answer to the nearest paisa (two decimal places). Rounding ₹1331.925 to two decimal places gives us ₹1331.93.

Stating the Solution Clearly

To ensure clarity and avoid any ambiguity, it's important to state the final answer clearly and explicitly. We can say:

The cost of 21.5 kg of Basmati rice is ₹1331.93.

This statement leaves no room for misinterpretation and provides a concise answer to the original question.

Double-Checking the Answer

Before considering the problem solved, it's always a good practice to double-check our answer. This can be done by estimating the answer and comparing it with our calculated result. For example, we can estimate the cost by rounding the numbers involved:

• ₹61.95 is approximately ₹62
• 21. 5 kg is approximately 22 kg

Estimated cost = ₹62 × 22 = ₹1364

Our calculated answer of ₹1331.93 is reasonably close to this estimate, which increases our confidence in the accuracy of our solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have successfully calculated the cost of 21.5 kg of Basmati rice, given the cost of 1 kg. By breaking down the problem into manageable steps, we have demonstrated a clear and accurate method for solving this type of calculation. From understanding the problem and identifying the given information to setting up the multiplication, performing the calculation, accounting for decimal places, and stating the final answer, each step has been carefully explained. We have also emphasized the importance of double-checking the answer to ensure accuracy. This approach not only solves the specific problem at hand but also provides a framework for tackling similar mathematical challenges in everyday life. The ability to confidently perform such calculations is a valuable skill for budgeting, shopping, and making informed financial decisions. Remember, practice and a clear understanding of the underlying concepts are key to mastering these skills. This example serves as a practical illustration of how mathematical principles are applied in real-world scenarios, making the learning process both relevant and engaging.