Math Problem Solving: How Many Pencils Did Mr. Charles Pack Away?

Mr. Charles had a total of 40 pencils, but he gave 1/5 of them to his children. After distributing the pencils, he packed the rest away. Let's explore how we can accurately determine how many pencils Mr. Charles packed away using basic fraction calculations and problem-solving skills.

Understanding the Problem

The question at hand is: How many pencils did Mr. Charles pack away after giving 1/5 of them to his children? To solve this, we need to break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps.

Solving the Problem

Step 1: Determine the Number of Pencils Given Away

First, we calculate the number of pencils Mr. Charles gave away. This is done by finding 1/5 of the total number of pencils:

Pencils given away:

Step 2: Calculate the Number of Pencils Packaged

Next, we subtract the number of pencils given away from the total number of pencils to find out how many pencils were packed away:

Pencils packed away: 40 - 8 32

Therefore, Mr. Charles packed away 32 pencils.

Further Insights

This problem is a classic example of using fractions in basic arithmetic and problem-solving. By breaking down the question and solving it step by step, we can confidently determine the number of pencils packed away.

Common Misconceptions

It's important to note that some answers have been slightly off due to common misconceptions. For instance, some have assumed that giving away 1/5 of the pencils would reduce the total number to 34, but this is incorrect because 1/5 of 40 pencils is exactly 8. Here's how an incorrect solution might look:

Incorrect Calculation:

Pencils given away: 1/5 of 40 8

Pencils packed away: 40 - 8 34

However, this is incorrect. The correct number of pencils packed away is 32.

Conclusion

By understanding the problem, breaking it down, and performing the necessary calculations, we can accurately determine that Mr. Charles packed away 32 pencils. This kind of problem-solving skill is crucial in various domains, including mathematics, education, and everyday life.