For instance, calcium sulfate hexahydrate states that for every molecule of calcium sulfate there are 6 water molecules surround it. We represent a hydrate with a large dot then the number of water molecules. This dot is NOT a multiplication sign, it is actually a ratio.
To determine the molar mass of hydrate, determine the mass of the salt then add the mass of however many water molecules are attached to it.
1 Ca + 1 S + 4 O + 6(2 H + 1 O)
40.1 + 32.1 + 4(16.0) + 6(18.0)
244.2 g/mole