Fun Rides

In this activity, students use the factors of a number to solve some problems. It also provides an opportunity to discuss some of the divisibility rules.
Ask students to discuss the implications of Mr Mo’s rules. They may need to use a simpler example to grasp the full meaning of his instructions, for example, “Using Mr Mo’s rules, which rides could a class of seven pupils take? How about a class of eight pupils? How about a class of nine pupils?”
Multiplication table charts could be used as well. Ask students to find all the tables that contain the multiple 30. Do the same with 24, 28, and 32. Students would then be able to use these to decide which rides each class can take.
Students could also use calculators to see whether the class size has a remainder when divided by the number of riders per carriage for each ride. If it does, then that class cannot go on that ride.
If the students understand the divisibility rules for 2, 3, 4, and 6, then they could apply these to the problem. Some divisibility rules that may be useful include:

• A number is divisible by 2 if it is an even number.

• A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.

• A number is divisible by 4 if half the number is an even number.

• A number is divisible by 6 if it is divisible by 2 and by 3.

Answers to Activity

1. Room 1: Log Flume, Minibungee, and the Roller Coaster
Room 2: Room 2 can go on all rides.
Room 3: Pterodactyl Flight and Minibungee
Room 4: Pterodactyl Flight and Minibungee
2. Room 1: $90
Room 2: $90
Room 3: $63
Room 4: $72