This is a narrative of a classroom episode in which students could see how mathematics can help someone avoid some common mistakes and take a right decision. A simple question involving ratios and simultaneous linear equations could do this with right learning strategy. Students were given a question to work on, and the discussion build on that as given below. A class was working on the following problem: A vendor makes two types of milkshakes using milk and syrup. The ratio of these two ingredients in two types of Shakes is given as - ShakeX, milk : syrup = 2 : 3   - ShakeO, milk : syrup = 3 : 4   He has 23 liters of milk and 31 liters of syrup.   How much of each shake should he prepare so that everything is used? The discussion went like:  We assume he prepares (x) liters of ShakeX and (y) liters of ShakeO,  It was noted: - Each shake consumes some milk and some syrup   - Total milk used must become 23 liters   - Total syrup used must become ...

  Here, we are taking an example to demonstrate how students are answering the questions right, getting good marks, letting the concept level problem continue and getting stuck in their studies or career at later stage. We also discuss, what approach can help in making learning right.  I hope, readers are aware of linear equations in one variable. Something like 15x+5=90, or 3x+5=2x+9.  Let, a student is asked to solve the 2nd equation 3x+5=2x+9. It's easy for most of the students. He solves this equation using right method and gets the answer as 4. Correct and full marks. Does it mean that he knows the concept of linear equations in one variable good enough?  Why should he solve such equations? Where can these concepts be used? Can he frame a question based on real life scenario where such equation may be needed? Can he visualize the impact of change in coefficients or constant values on the nature of the equation? If he is not clear about all these, then solving la...