The following problem illustrates how to apply the six steps of problem solving. Use these six steps whenever you can’t readily solve a problem. An article with a net weight of 10 lb (pounds) is packaged in a box that weighs ½ lb. If 20 of these boxed articles are put into one freight container that weighs 15 lb, what is the gross weight?

Step 1 I’m given the weight of an article, its individual container, and the freight container that holds 20 of the smaller boxes. I’m required to find the gross weight, which is the total weight of the shipping container and its contents.

Step 2 The quantities are 20 articles weighing 10 lb each; 20 boxes weighing ½ lb each; and a 15 lb freight container.

Step 3 The gross weight is the weight of the 20 articles plus the 20 boxes plus the freight container.

Step 4 To calculate the gross weight, I’ll add the weights of the articles, boxes, and the freight container. To determine the weight of 20 articles and boxes, I’ll multiply the weight of each by 20.

Step 5 My calculations are as follows:

Weight of 20 articles = 20 × 10 lb = 200 lb

Weight of 20 boxes = 20 × ½ lb = 10 lb

Weight of 20 articles and boxes = 210 lb

Weight of container = 15 lb

Gross weight = 210 + 15 = 225 lb

The gross weight is 225 lb.

Step 6 The problem asked for gross weight, and I’ve found it. I can check my work like this:

10 lb + ½ lb = 10 ½ lb (Weight of one article and one box)

20 × 10 ½ lb = 210 lb (Weight of 20 articles and boxes)

210 + 15 lb = 225 lb (Weight of articles, boxes, and container)

The gross weight is 225 lb

Step-by-step explanation: