Sticky Problem

This page involves a series of connected word problems that can be solved by using basic multiplication and division facts. Have multilink cubes, counters, or similar equipment available to act out the problems.
Encourage students to record their answers and the strategies they used to obtain them. For example, question 2 might be solved in many ways (see notes for page 9):

Students at the one-by-one counting stage will count 40 objects and count away sets of six. It is important that students are shown the efficiency of multiplication strategies.
Similarly, questions 4–6 can be solved by counting methods with toy money or by calculation. Some students will count out 40 10-cent pieces and attempt to find the total by counting in tens. Encourage them to use more powerful strategies by asking questions such as:
“How many pieces of fudge must Rachel sell to get $1? How do you know?”
(10, because 10 10-cent coins are $1)
“How many pieces has Rachel got?” (40)
“How much money will that be?” ($4)

Answers to Activity

1. 4
2. a. 6
b. Yes, 4
3. 5
4. $4
5. $2.50
6. She will have 37 pieces of fudge to sell. At 10 cents a piece, she will make $3.70. Once Rachel subtracts her costs, she will be left with $2.20 profit.