An Approach to Drawing a Diagram
Once you’ve identified what question the problem is actually asking you to answer, it helps to draw a diagram to visualize the situation. That way, we can create a clearer picture in our head of the situation and the given information, as well as what we are trying to accomplish in solving the problem.
In the case of our word problem here, we can try some steps like the following. Read each of these steps and then compare them to the drawing in the image below.
In the case of our word problem here, we can try some steps like the following. Read each of these steps and then compare them to the drawing in the image below.
- Start with the fact that we have two descriptions of the U.S. medals in the olympics, which are equal to each other.
- The easiest to represent is the idea that there were 7 more U.S. medals than French medals. (The United States won 7 more gold medals than the French.)We draw those on the right, just because they were actually listed second in the problem.
- Next we draw French medals four times and then add the extra U.S. medal. (the United States athletes won 1 more than 4 times the number of gold medals won by the French athlete). This can go on the left
Fully Rendered Image.
Note: Not every diagram will look the same and there is no correct diagram. Your might be totally different. The key thing is that it helps depict the problem in a way that makes sense to you.
Check for Understanding
Draw a Diagram for the word problem we started in the last step (rewritten below for your convenience). You can work on paper and pencil, or you can use Google Drawing via Google Drive to make something closer to the examples provided. Once you have completed your drawing, scroll down and compare your drawing to mine. Evaluate yourself to see how/if your drawing matches. Click the Next Button when you're done.
Remember, the question is "How many DVD's must the company sell to have their sales equal their production costs?"
Original Problem:
A company that copies DVD’s spends $1500 per day in building overhead, plus $0.80 per DVD in supplies and labor. The company sells each DVD’s for $1.59 per disk. Determine how many DVD’s the company must sell each day to break even.
A company that copies DVD’s spends $1500 per day in building overhead, plus $0.80 per DVD in supplies and labor. The company sells each DVD’s for $1.59 per disk. Determine how many DVD’s the company must sell each day to break even.