This is a level 4 number activity from the Figure It Out theme series.
A PDF of the student activity is included.
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use mental strategies to solve problems involving addition and multiplication
Students will need to use the rules given for each operator and apply them to find the costs:
• Benny’s Buses: two one-way trips of 64 kilometres at $2 per kilometre
2 x 64 x $2 = $256
• Saltwater Charter Boats: round trip of 3 hours at $65 per hour
3 x 65 = $195
• Fat Cat Tours: one return trip for 36 people at $5 per person
36 x $5 = $180
• Kimbell Motors: two one-ways trips at $50 plus $3 per person
2 x [$50 + ($3 x 36)] = $316
As an extension, you could suggest other possible operators to students, such as Amphibian Craft Ltd, which charges $70 per hour. Its vehicle takes 1 hour to travel the 64 kilometres by road and 4 hours to complete a round trip to Màrama Island.
Answers to Activity
The cheapest option is Benny’s Buses ($256) and the Fat Cat Tours boat ($180).