Calculate: 1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50 + 90 - Step-by-Step

Aug 14, 2025 by Felix Dubois 50 views

Unlocking the Sum: Exploring 1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50 + 90

Let's dive into this interesting mathematical exploration, guys! We're going to break down the sum of 1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50 + 90, making sure everyone understands each step. This isn't just about getting the right answer; it's about understanding the process and the why behind the math. Math is like a puzzle, and we're here to put the pieces together. So, grab your thinking caps, and let’s get started on this numerical adventure!

Understanding the Basics

Before we jump into the main calculation, let's ensure we're solid on the basics. What does 1.50 represent? It's a decimal number, which means it represents a whole number (1) and a fraction (0.50, which is half of 1). So, 1.50 is the same as one and a half. Now, why is this important? Because understanding what these numbers represent makes the addition much easier. Think of it like having one dollar and fifty cents.

Next, let's consider the number 90. This is a whole number, representing ninety units. It's crucial to recognize the difference between the decimal numbers (1.50) and the whole number (90) because this will influence how we approach the addition. We need to keep our units aligned to avoid any confusion. Imagine trying to add apples and oranges without first understanding you're dealing with fruit – it just wouldn't make sense! So, understanding the components is key to solving this mathematical puzzle.

Decimal Addition

Now that we understand the components, let's talk about decimal addition specifically. When we add decimals, it’s crucial to line up the decimal points. Why? Because this ensures we're adding the same place values together. Tenths get added to tenths, hundredths to hundredths, and so on. It’s like making sure you're stacking blocks properly – if the base isn't aligned, the whole tower will be unstable.

So, let's visualize adding 1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50. We'll write them vertically, aligning the decimal points:

 1.  50
 1.  50
+ 1.  50
------

Notice how all the decimal points are in a straight line? This is non-negotiable! Now, we add column by column, starting from the rightmost side (the hundredths place). 0 + 0 + 0 = 0, so we write down 0. Next, we add the tenths place: 5 + 5 + 5 = 15. We write down 5 and carry-over the 1 to the ones place. Finally, we add the ones place: 1 (carried over) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4. So, we write down 4. Don't forget to bring down the decimal point in the same aligned position. Voila! We have our intermediate result.

The Importance of Place Value

Let’s zoom in on why lining up those decimals is so important: place value. Each digit in a number has a specific value based on its position. In the number 1.50, the 1 represents one whole unit, the 5 represents five-tenths (5/10), and the 0 represents zero hundredths (0/100). If we don't align the decimal points, we risk adding tenths to ones or hundredths to tenths – which would be a mathematical mishmash!

Think of it like this: if you're counting money, you wouldn't add dollars to cents directly without converting them first, right? Place value is the same concept. By aligning the decimals, we ensure that we're adding quantities that have the same value, making our calculations accurate and meaningful. It's all about keeping things in their rightful place. Understanding place value is not just a mathematical concept; it's a skill that translates to many real-life situations where accurate calculations are essential, like managing finances or measuring ingredients in a recipe. So, mastering this concept is a real win!

Step-by-Step Calculation: 1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50

Alright, let's break down the first part of our problem: 1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50. We’ve already laid the groundwork by understanding decimals and place value. Now, let's put that knowledge into action. We're going to approach this step-by-step to make sure we don't miss anything. Remember, in math, precision is key, but so is clarity. So, we'll explain each step as we go along.

Adding the First Two Numbers: Let's start by adding the first two numbers: 1.50 + 1.50. We write them down vertically, aligning the decimal points:
```
 1.  50
+ 1.  50
------
```
Now, we add the hundredths place: 0 + 0 = 0. Write down 0. Next, we add the tenths place: 5 + 5 = 10. Write down 0 and carry-over the 1 to the ones place. Finally, we add the ones place: 1 (carried over) + 1 + 1 = 3. Write down 3. Bring down the decimal point. So, 1.50 + 1.50 = 3.00. This is also the same as 3, since the .00 doesn't change the value.
Adding the Third Number: Now we take the result from the previous step (3.00) and add the third number (1.50):
```
 3.  00
+ 1.  50
------
```
Add the hundredths place: 0 + 0 = 0. Write down 0. Add the tenths place: 0 + 5 = 5. Write down 5. Add the ones place: 3 + 1 = 4. Write down 4. Bring down the decimal point. So, 3.00 + 1.50 = 4.50. We're halfway there!

Visualizing the Sum

Sometimes, visualizing the problem can make it even clearer. Think of 1.50 as one and a half units. So, we have one and a half + one and a half + one and a half. If we combine two halves, we get a whole. So, two 1.50s give us 3 (one + one + half + half = 3). Then, adding another 1.50 gives us 4.50 (3 + one and a half = 4.50). See how it all fits together? Visualizing numbers can make abstract concepts much more concrete, and it’s a fantastic tool for problem-solving.

Adding the Whole Number: + 90

Okay, guys, we've conquered the decimal addition part! We know that 1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50 equals 4.50. Now comes the final piece of the puzzle: adding the whole number, 90. This step is crucial, and it brings a slightly different challenge because we're adding a decimal number to a whole number. But don't worry; we've got this!

The key here, as always, is to keep our place values aligned. Remember, 90 is a whole number, so it doesn't have any decimal places explicitly written. But we can think of it as 90.00 to help us with the addition. This doesn't change the value of 90, but it does give us a visual aid to ensure we're adding the correct places together. So, let’s set up our addition problem:

   90.  00
+  4.  50
------

See how we've lined up the decimal points? The 9 in 90 is in the tens place, and the 4 in 4.50 is in the ones place. By aligning the decimal points, we automatically align the ones, tens, tenths, and hundredths places. This is non-negotiable for accurate addition.

Performing the Final Addition

Now, let's perform the addition. We start from the rightmost column, the hundredths place: 0 + 0 = 0. Write down 0. Next, we move to the tenths place: 0 + 5 = 5. Write down 5. Now, the ones place: 0 + 4 = 4. Write down 4. Finally, the tens place: 9 + 0 (we can imagine a 0 in the tens place of 4.50) = 9. Write down 9. And, of course, we bring down the decimal point in its aligned position. So, what do we get? 94.50.

Therefore, 4.50 + 90 = 94.50. We've cracked it!

Thinking About the Scale

It's always a good idea to take a step back and think about whether our answer makes sense in the context of the problem. We added three small numbers (1.50) to a larger number (90). So, we should expect our answer to be slightly larger than 90. And 94.50 fits that bill perfectly. It's close to 90, but larger by the amount we added. This kind of sanity check is invaluable in math. It helps us catch silly mistakes and builds our number sense. Number sense is that intuitive understanding of how numbers work and relate to each other, and it’s something that grows with practice and conscious reflection.

The Final Answer and Its Significance

Drumroll, please! We've reached the end of our mathematical journey. After carefully adding all the numbers together, we've found that 1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50 + 90 equals 94.50. That's our final answer! But this isn't just about getting a number; it's about what that number represents and how we got there. Understanding the process is just as important, if not more so, than the answer itself.

Real-World Applications

So, what's the significance of 94.50? Well, in the real world, this kind of calculation could come up in many different situations. Imagine you're buying three items that cost $1.50 each, and you also have a $90 gift card. How much money do you have in total to spend? The answer, of course, is $94.50. Or, perhaps you're measuring ingredients for a recipe. You need 1.50 cups of flour three times, plus 90 cups of water (a very large recipe!). Again, the calculation helps you determine the total amount of liquid you need.

These are just a couple of examples, but the point is that the ability to add decimals and whole numbers accurately is a practical skill that we use in our daily lives, often without even realizing it. From managing our finances to cooking meals, math is all around us. And the better we understand these basic operations, the more confidently we can navigate the world.

Reflecting on the Process

But let’s not forget the journey we took to get to 94.50. We broke down the problem into smaller, manageable steps. We reviewed the basics of decimal addition and the importance of place value. We visualized the sum to gain a deeper understanding. And we checked our answer to make sure it made sense. These are all crucial elements of mathematical thinking. By focusing on the process, we not only arrived at the correct answer but also strengthened our problem-solving skills. And that, guys, is a win-win!

In conclusion, the sum of 1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50 + 90 is 94.50. But more than that, we've learned about decimals, place value, and the importance of a step-by-step approach to problem-solving. Math isn't just about numbers; it's about thinking clearly and logically. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep asking questions! The world of math is vast and fascinating, and there's always something new to discover. So, let’s continue our mathematical adventures!