Hosts model a package-delivery word problem: 24 packages at $6.80 yields $163.20

The show closed with a real-world story problem: a delivery worker earned $6.80 per package and delivered 6 packages on Monday, 8 on Wednesday, and 10 on Friday. Host Maggie Mixon demonstrated the efficient strategy: add the delivered packages first (6 + 8 + 10 = 24) and then multiply the total by the per-package pay ($6.80 * 24), producing $163.20.

Mixon explained that an alternative approach—multiplying the per-package rate by each day and then summing the three daily totals—would work but requires extra steps. The hosts recommended the add-then-multiply approach when the question asks for a single total.

Why this matters: translating story problems into expression form (total packages * per-unit pay) is a common algebra application and helps students practice modeling and arithmetic checks (estimate-by-rounding to validate results).

Classroom tip: the hosts suggested mental estimation (for example, double-checking 24 * $6.80 by approximating 24 * $7 to see if the detailed product is reasonable).

Ending note: Mixon and Paredo encouraged callers to bring similar applied problems to future broadcasts for step-by-step help.