A Fishy Equation: Solving for Hamza and Sami

Introduction

This classic elementary math problem involves fish catching, and it's a perfect example of how algebraic equations can be used to solve real-life scenarios. Let's dive into the problem and see how we can uncover the numbers hidden behind the names of Hamza and Sami.

The Problem at Hand

Hamza and Sami are two friends who love fishing. Together, they caught a total of 32 fish. What's even more interesting is that Hamza caught three times as many fish as Sami. The question is, how many fish did each of them catch?

Breaking Down the Problem

To solve this, we can set up an algebraic equation. Let's use the variable x to represent the number of fish Sami caught.

1. If Sami caught x fish, then Hamza caught 3 times as many, which is 3x.

2. The total number of fish caught by both of them together is 32.

Solving the Equation

Now, we can set up the equation based on the information given:

x 3x 32

Simplifying the left side of the equation:

4x 32

To find the value of x, we divide both sides by 4:

x 32 / 4

x 8

This means that Sami caught 8 fish. Since Hamza caught three times as many, we calculate:

3 * 8 24

So, Hamza caught 24 fish.

Conclusion

We can summarize the solution as follows:

Hamza caught 24 fish. Sami caught 8 fish.

This problem not only teaches us about algebraic equations but also reinforces the understanding of multiplication and subtraction in a real-life context.

Further Exploration

Math problems like this one are not just about solving for unknowns; they also enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You can try modifying the numbers in the problem or changing the relationship between the two friends to create new scenarios. For example:

Task: Suppose Hamza and Sami caught a total of 48 fish, and Hamza caught four times as many as Sami. How many fish did each of them catch?

FAQs

How did you determine x 8?

We determined that x 32 / 4 because the equation simplified to 4x 32. Dividing both sides by 4 isolates x, giving us the solution.

Why did you use multiplication for Hamza's catch?

Since Hamza caught three times as many fish as Sami, we used multiplication to calculate his total catch based on the number of fish Sami caught.

Can you provide more examples of similar math problems?

Yes, here's another example: If Anna and Ben together counted 50 marbles, and Anna found 6 more marbles than twice the number Ben found, how many marbles did each of them have?

By practicing these kinds of problems, you can improve your algebraic and logical reasoning skills significantly. Happy solving!