A florist needs at least 84 roses for her arrangements and currently has 79 roses. What is the minimum number...

1. TRANSLATE the problem information

• Given information:
  • Florist needs: at least 84 roses
  • Florist currently has: 79 roses
  • Need to find: minimum number of additional roses

2. INFER the mathematical relationship

• Since we know the total needed and current amount, we can find the additional amount by subtraction
• Additional roses = Total needed - Current amount
• This gives us the minimum number she must purchase to meet her requirement

3. SIMPLIFY the calculation

• Additional roses needed = 84 - 79 = 5

Answer: B. 5

Why Students Usually Falter on This Problem

Most Common Error Path:

Weak TRANSLATE skill: Misunderstanding what "additional" means in the context

Students may focus on the numbers 79 or 84 without recognizing that "additional" specifically asks for how many MORE roses are needed beyond what she already has. They might think the answer is simply one of the given quantities.

This may lead them to select Choice C (79) or Choice D (84)

Second Most Common Error:

Conceptual confusion about "at least": Not recognizing the minimum threshold

Some students may think "at least 84" means she already has enough if she has close to 84, leading them to believe no additional roses are needed.

This may lead them to select Choice A (0)

The Bottom Line:

This problem requires careful attention to the specific language used - particularly understanding that "additional" means "extra beyond what exists" and "at least" establishes a minimum requirement that must be met.