Larissa's Pharmacy Trip: A Math Problem!

Hey guys! Let's dive into a fun math problem inspired by Larissa's trip to the pharmacy. We'll break down how to figure out the cost of each item she bought, making it super easy to understand. This isn't just about numbers; it's about real-life scenarios and how a little bit of math can help us in everyday situations. Ready to get started? Let's go!

The Shopping List and the Big Picture

So, Larissa went to the pharmacy and picked up a few things. She bought a box of Vitamin C, three packs of cotton, and two packs of antacids. We know the total she spent was R$29.00, and we have a couple of clues to help us solve the mystery of the individual prices. We'll break down each item and use the information provided to uncover how much each product cost. This will involve a little bit of algebra, but don't worry, it's nothing too complicated. We'll take it step by step.

First off, let's note the givens. Larissa spent a total of R$29.00. The price of the cotton is one-third the price of the Vitamin C, and the antacids cost R$2.50 each. Now, how do we put all of this together? It seems tricky at first, but remember, every math problem has a solution. We must define our variables and set up an equation. This is a fundamental step in making the problem easier to grasp and solve. It's like having a map that guides us from the starting point to the treasure. In this case, the treasure is the final price of each item. Ready to embark on this quest to find the individual costs? Let's do it!

Identifying the Knowns and Unknowns

Before we jump into calculations, let's clarify what we know and what we need to find. We know the total spent (R$29.00), the number of each item bought, and the cost of the antacids (R$2.50 each). Also, we know that the cotton costs a third of the Vitamin C. Our mission? To find the price of the Vitamin C and the cotton. Once we figure those out, we will have solved the entire puzzle. Knowing this helps create a clear path to the solution. Let's establish the unknown elements to make sure we account for everything. This is a vital stage, so take your time and analyze the problem, it will help you during the rest of the process. Are you ready for the next step?

Breaking Down the Costs: Step-by-Step

Alright, now it's time to put on our detective hats and break down those costs! Let's start with the knowns. We know the antacids cost R$2.50 each, and Larissa bought two packs. That means the antacids cost 2 * R$2.50 = R$5.00. This information will be useful later as we subtract it from the total. It's like removing a piece of a puzzle, now the remaining parts will be a little easier to analyze. Simple arithmetic like this is fundamental in this task, we need to be organized. So, one by one, we are going to reveal all the steps needed to solve the problem.

Now we move on to cotton and Vitamin C, the trickier part. We know the cotton costs a third of the Vitamin C. Let's use 'x' to represent the cost of the Vitamin C. That means the cotton costs x/3. Larissa bought three packs of cotton, so the total cost of the cotton is 3 * (x/3) = x. This is the basic core of the problem, and now we are in the middle of the solution. Now we have all the pieces we need to write a simple equation. We need to put everything together in a single line, and it will reveal the rest of the mystery. Are you ready for the last move? Let's go!

Formulating the Equation

Now that we know the cost of the antacids and how to express the cost of the cotton in terms of the Vitamin C, we can create our equation. The total spent (R$29.00) is equal to the cost of the Vitamin C (x) + the cost of the cotton (x) + the cost of the antacids (R$5.00). So our equation looks like this: x + x + R$5.00 = R$29.00. Combining like terms, we simplify this to 2x + R$5.00 = R$29.00. This equation now represents everything we know. It will make our life easier since all the elements are connected to each other. Now, how do we solve for 'x'? We isolate 'x' to find out its value. Keep in mind that the unknown must be on one side of the equation, and the known values on the other side, after we solve this, the value will be clear. Let's proceed to the next step, it is time to solve the equation!

Solving for Vitamin C

To solve for 'x', which represents the cost of the Vitamin C, we need to isolate it. First, subtract R$5.00 from both sides of the equation: 2x + R$5.00 - R$5.00 = R$29.00 - R$5.00. This simplifies to 2x = R$24.00. Now, divide both sides by 2: 2x / 2 = R$24.00 / 2. That gives us x = R$12.00. This means the Vitamin C cost R$12.00. Fantastic, now we've found the cost of the Vitamin C! We are almost there, just one more step, and we're done. To make things clear, let's write down the final result, so you can compare it with your own calculations.

Finding the Cost of Cotton and Final Calculation

Since we now know the Vitamin C costs R$12.00, and the cotton costs a third of that amount, we can easily find the cost of the cotton. The cotton cost x/3 = R$12.00 / 3 = R$4.00. So, each pack of cotton cost R$4.00. Awesome! We've solved for all the unknowns: Vitamin C at R$12.00, cotton at R$4.00, and antacids at R$2.50 each.

Verifying the Solution

To make sure our calculations are correct, let's check our answer. We can do this by adding up the total cost of all items. Vitamin C (R$12.00) + 3 packs of cotton (3 * R$4.00 = R$12.00) + 2 antacids (2 * R$2.50 = R$5.00) = R$12.00 + R$12.00 + R$5.00 = R$29.00. This matches the total amount Larissa spent, so we know our calculations are accurate! Congratulations, guys! You've successfully solved the math problem.

Conclusion

See? Math can be fun and super practical. We've seen how we can break down a simple real-life scenario, use a bit of algebra, and figure out the costs of individual items. From now on, you can use this method to solve your own shopping problems! Knowing the basic rules, and how to apply them, will help you to handle similar situations. With a little bit of practice, you'll be solving similar problems in no time, feeling confident about your math skills. And remember, the key is to break down the problem into manageable steps, identify the unknowns, formulate an equation, and solve it step by step. Keep up the awesome work, and stay curious, guys!