Mat126

Understanding Math Equations

Barbara E. Cook-Snider

MAT: 126

Instructor Cochrane

June 4, 2012

Understanding Math Equations

For this week’s assignment in MAT 126 Survey of Mathematical Methods, we are conducting a survey of the following:” gather three of your favorite packaged foods; perhaps one from each: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Use the model explained in the “Are You Sure It’s Fat Free?” to analyze, through the mathematical formula explained the fat content and protein content from your foods. To analyze the protein content use 4 calories per gram of protein, rather than the 9 calories for grams of fat”( Cochrane,2012).

Working through the assignment I chose to use as my first example: Breakfast Oatmeal, secondly my choice Raisin Bran Crunch and last was Vanilla Yogurt. In exploring the packaged details I found it is not always true what is on the label. The food industry has kind of moved the percentages around to make you think that what is on the label is fact. Although it is not the assignment to take on the food industry it is to make a person aware of what may really be in the package as far as percents of protein, and fat.

(Breakfast: Oatmeal (Single serving = 45 g)

Calories in a single serving = 160

Fat content is 2 g

1 g of fat has 9 calories

2 g of fat = 2 * 9 = 18 calories.

Fat content is (18/160) * 100 = 11.25 %

Protein content is 1.8 g

1 g of protein has 4 calories

Understanding Math Equations

1.8 g of protein = 1.8 * 4 = 7.2 calories

Protein content is (7.2/160) * 100 = 4.5%

Lunch: Raisin Bran Crunch (Single serving = 60 g)

Calories in a single serving = 190

Fat content is 1 g

1 g of fat has 9 calories

Fat content is (9/190) * 100 = 4.74 %

Protein content is 3 g

1 g of protein has 4 calories

3 g of protein = 3 * 4 = 12 calories

Protein content is (12/190) * 100 = 6.32%

Dinner: Vanilla Yogurt (Single serving = 225 g)

Calories in a single serving = 110

Fat content is 2 g

1 g of fat has 9 calories...