This is a level 3 number activity from the Figure It Out series. It relates to Stage 6 of the Number Framework.
A PDF of the student activity is included.
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sovle addition and subtraction problems involving money
Toy Money
These are challenging problem-solving questions involving addition and subtraction with money.
In problem solving, ensure that students understand the question before they attempt the problem. Have some ways of helping the students if they are finding the problem too difficult. Hints are a good way of keeping the students going. Use them sparingly, not too soon but before frustration sets in.
A hint for question 2 could be “Sort out Leigh’s debt to Tio before you do Greg’s.”
Question 3 is more challenging. The students may need several hints. Let them try out some of their own solutions before giving each hint.
First possible hint:
“Find out who could pay the exact fare for all of them.” (Leigh)
Second hint:
“What coins, adding up to more than 75 cents, would Tio and Greg pay Leigh to get things started?” (Tio would give Leigh 50c + 10c + 10c + 10c, and Greg would give her $1.)
Third hint:
“What coin does Leigh now need to give Tio, and where will it come from?” (5 cents, and it must come from Greg.)
Fourth hint:
“If Greg gives Leigh another 5 cents, how much does Leigh have to give back to Greg?”
Answers to Activity
1. 70c each
2. One way is for Leigh to pay Tio 80c, and Tio would give her 10c change. Greg can then pay Tio $1, and Tio would give him 30c change.
3. One way is: Leigh pays the total fare of $2.25. Greg pays Leigh $1.05. Tio pays Leigh 80c and gets 5c change. Leigh then pays Greg the 30c change she owes him.
Another way is: Leigh pays the total fare of $2.25. Tio pays Greg 80c and gets 5c change. Greg then pays Leigh $1.50.