Calculate $4.50 for 3 cans

Step by step

The question

Question: $4.50 for 3 cans.

How much for 1 can?

A unit rate tells us how much for just 1.

Here: dollars for 1 can.

1 Write it as a fraction

We write it as a fraction.

The money goes on top.

The cans go on the bottom.

2 Divide to get 1 at the bottom

We want 1 can on the bottom.

3 divided by 3 is 1.

We divide the top by 3 too, so the rate stays the same.

4.5 divided by 3 is 1.5.

So it is 1 dollar and 50 cents for 1 can.

Per means for each.

So the unit rate is 1 dollar and 50 cents per can.

3 Check

Let's check: 3 cans at 1 dollar and 50 cents per can.

3 times 1.5 is 4.5.

That is 4 dollars and 50 cents, so it is right!

Let's look back.

First: write it as a fraction.

Then: divide to get 1 at the bottom.

Last: check.