Algebra Problem with fraction, help please.

[Danny]

Do the following problem in two different ways, one should be pictorial and the other should be algebraic, using one variable. Then, make connections between these two representations.

Greg spends one-fourth of his take-home pay on his mortgage and property taxes. Out of the remaining money he again spends one-fourth on food and clothes. From the money left over after these expenses, he puts one-fifth into savings. What fractonal part of his take-home pay does he have left?

 

[tkhunny]

Do the following problem in two different ways, one should be pictorial and the other should be algebraic, using one variable. Then, make connections between these two representations.

Greg spends one-fourth of his take-home pay on his mortgage and property taxes. Out of the remaining money he again spends one-fourth on food and clothes. From the money left over after these expenses, he puts one-fifth into savings. What fractonal part of his take-home pay does he have left?

Have you yet followed Rule #1? Well, this is one case where it may not quite be the very best thing to do. However, name something. Then we can talk about it.

P = Greg's Take-home Pay

Taxes = P*(1/4)

Amount Remaining = P - Taxes = P - P(1/4) = P(3/4)

Where do you think we should go from here? One way to go might be one step at a time.