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When tackling real-life maths problems, understanding how to round up and multiply correctly can save you both time and money. Let’s break down Christine’s tiling challenge, a question perfectly suited to Foundation GCSE pupils.
The problem states:
• Christine needs 160 tiles for her room.
• Tiles come in boxes of 12.
• Each box costs £12.20.
(b) First, find the minimum number of boxes required.
160 tiles ÷ 12 per box = 13 remainder 4.
Since you can’t buy a fraction of a box, Christine must purchase 14 boxes (providing 168 tiles in total).
(c) Next, calculate the total cost.
14 boxes × £12.20 per box = £170.80.
Key takeaways:
- Always round up when you have a remainder in a “can’t split” scenario (tiles, eggs, seats, etc.).
- Set out your working neatly: division to find the count, then multiplication for the cost.
- Watch your decimal alignment in money calculations to avoid simple errors.
If you’re after more step-by-step practice or personalised support, a Foundation GCSE Maths Tutor Online can guide you through a wealth of real-world examples—ensuring you’re ready for every exam question, whether it’s about tiles, tickets or tidying up your change.
