Answer to Question #246360 in Algebra for Tina

Question

R1840 will be divided between Aphiwe and Dhoni in the ratio 3 : 5. How much will Aphiwe and Dhoni each get in total?

One of the learners gave the answer as: Aphiwe: R1104 and Dhoni: R3066,67.

a) Explain this learner’s possible (mis)understanding of the question. Would you say it is the same misconception or two different misconceptions that the learner has?

b) How can you rectify the learner’s mistake(s) in solving the task? Use drawings to illustrate your answer.

Answer 1

a) Noncorrect solution

$$1840(3/5)=1104$$

$$1840(5/3)=3066.67$$

The learner consider the proportion as fraction.

It is the same misconception that the learner has.

b)

$$3+5=8(parts)$$

$$R1840/8=R230$$

Aphiwe:

$$3\ parts(R230)=R690$$

Dhoni

$$5\ parts(R230)=R1150$$