Isabel's Change: Calculating Shopping Troco

Hey guys! Ever found yourself wondering if you got the right change after a shopping spree? Let's break down a super practical math problem that's all about calculating change. We'll dive into a scenario where Isabel buys some clothes and needs to figure out her change. This is the kind of stuff we use every day, so understanding it is a total win!

Understanding the Problem

So, here’s the deal: Isabel went shopping and bought a shirt for $38.20 and two pairs of shorts, each costing $19.90. She handed over a $100 bill at the checkout. The big question is, how much change did Isabel receive? To figure this out, we need to calculate the total cost of her purchases and then subtract that from the $100 she paid. This is a classic example of using basic arithmetic in a real-life situation, and it's something we can all relate to. We’re not just doing math for the sake of it; we’re solving a problem that could easily pop up when you’re out shopping with friends or family. Getting the hang of these calculations can really help you manage your money and make sure you’re always on top of your finances. Plus, it’s kinda cool to be able to double-check that you’re getting the right change, right? So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and see how Isabel’s shopping trip translates into a math problem we can tackle together.

Step 1: Calculate the Cost of the Shorts

Alright, let's kick things off by figuring out how much Isabel spent on those shorts. She bought two pairs, and each pair cost $19.90. To find the total cost, we need to multiply the price of one pair of shorts by the number of pairs she bought. This is where our multiplication skills come into play, and it’s a super straightforward calculation. We’re taking a real-world scenario and turning it into a simple math equation, which is pretty neat. Think about it – every time you’re out shopping and buying multiple items of the same price, you’re essentially doing this same calculation in your head (or maybe on your phone!). So, understanding this step isn’t just about solving this particular problem; it’s about building a skill that you’ll use again and again. We'll break down the multiplication to make it super clear, and then we'll have one piece of the puzzle solved. Knowing the total cost of the shorts is crucial before we can figure out the grand total of Isabel's shopping trip and, ultimately, her change. So, let's crunch those numbers and get one step closer to the final answer.

Calculation: 2 * $19.90

To calculate the total cost of the shorts, we multiply the cost of one pair ($19.90) by the number of pairs Isabel bought (2). Here’s how we do it:

 19.  90
*  2
------
 39.  80

So, 2 multiplied by $19.90 equals $39.80. This means Isabel spent $39.80 on the two pairs of shorts. See? Math isn't just about abstract numbers; it's about figuring out real-world costs! Now that we've nailed this part, we're one step closer to figuring out Isabel's total spending and how much change she received. This step-by-step approach helps break down the problem into manageable chunks, making it way less intimidating. Plus, it’s super satisfying to see how each calculation fits into the bigger picture. So, we've got the cost of the shorts covered. What's next? Let's move on to figuring out the total cost of Isabel's entire purchase. We’re on a roll here, guys!

Step 2: Calculate the Total Cost

Okay, so we know Isabel spent $39.80 on the shorts. Now, we need to add the cost of the shirt to that amount to find out her total spending. The shirt cost $38.20. This step is all about addition, another fundamental math skill that we use all the time. Think about it – whenever you're adding up the prices of items in your shopping cart, you're doing this exact same thing. It’s a practical skill that helps you keep track of your spending and stay within your budget. We’re taking the individual costs of the items Isabel bought and combining them to get the total amount she needs to pay. This is a crucial step because it gives us the full picture of her financial transaction. Without knowing the total cost, we can't figure out her change. So, let's add these two amounts together and see what the grand total comes to. We'll break down the addition process to make sure everyone’s on the same page, and then we’ll have another key piece of the puzzle solved. Are you guys ready to add some numbers? Let's do it!

Calculation: $38.20 + $39.80

To find the total cost, we add the price of the shirt ($38.20) to the total cost of the shorts ($39.80). Let's do the addition:

 38.  20
+ 39.  80
--------
 78.  00

Adding $38.20 and $39.80, we get $78.00. This means Isabel's total purchase cost $78.00. We're making serious progress here, guys! We've figured out how much she spent in total. Now, the final step is to calculate how much change she received from her $100 bill. This is where subtraction comes in, and it’s the last piece of the puzzle. We’re almost there! Knowing the total cost is super important because it allows us to determine the difference between what Isabel paid and what she owed. This is exactly what calculating change is all about. So, with the total cost in hand, let’s move on to the final calculation and see how much change Isabel got back. We've got this!

Step 3: Calculate the Change

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! We know Isabel paid with a $100 bill, and her total purchase was $78.00. To find out how much change she received, we need to subtract the total cost from the amount she paid. This is a classic subtraction problem, and it’s exactly what cashiers do every single time they give someone change. It’s a super practical skill to have, and it helps you make sure you’re getting the right amount back when you pay with cash. We’re taking the total amount Isabel paid and taking away the amount she owed, which will leave us with her change. This is the final calculation, the big reveal! Once we’ve done this subtraction, we’ll have the answer to our original question: how much change did Isabel get? So, let’s break down the subtraction process and see what the final number is. Are you guys ready to see the answer? Let’s do it!

Calculation: $100 - $78.00

To calculate Isabel's change, we subtract the total cost ($78.00) from the amount she paid ($100.00). Here’s the subtraction:

 100.  00
-  78.  00
--------
  22.  00

So, $100.00 minus $78.00 equals $22.00. This means Isabel received $22.00 in change. We did it! We successfully calculated Isabel's change, and it all came down to understanding a few basic math operations. Isn't it awesome how math can help us solve real-world problems? Now, you can confidently calculate your own change and make sure you’re always getting the right amount back. This is such a valuable skill, and you’ve totally nailed it! So, next time you're out shopping, you'll be a change-calculating pro. Way to go, guys!

Final Answer

So, after all the calculations, we’ve arrived at the final answer: Isabel received $22.00 in change. Woohoo! We successfully navigated through the problem, breaking it down into manageable steps and using our math skills to find the solution. This is a perfect example of how math isn’t just something we learn in school; it’s a tool we use in our everyday lives. From figuring out change at the store to managing our budgets, these skills are super important. And the best part? We did it together! We took a real-world scenario and turned it into a fun and engaging math problem. Hopefully, this exercise has not only helped you understand how to calculate change but has also shown you how practical and useful math can be. So, the next time you’re out shopping and need to figure out your change, you’ll be ready to tackle it with confidence. You’ve got this! Remember, math is all about breaking things down, step by step, and we’ve proven that we can do it. Awesome job, everyone!