Problem Solving Prompts

Pencils laying side-by-side.

Learning Goals:

  • Solve problems involving the multiplication and division of whole numbers
  • Communicate mathematical thinking orally and visually

The Challenge:

Mr. S. is planning for next year and is ordering the school supplies his students will need.
Pencils come in bags of 8.
Glue sticks come in packages of 4.
Erasers come in boxes of 6.
He is planning to create a packet of supplies for 24 students total.
Each student packet will have three pencils, one glue stick, and two erasers.

How many bags of pencils, packages of glue sticks, and boxes of erasers will he need to order to create these 24 student packets?

Questions and Prompts to Support your Child:

  • What did you do first? Why?
  • Which school supply was the most straightforward to figure out? Why?
  • How do you know that you’ve found the correct amount to be ordered for each school supply?

Extensions & Adaptations:

  • If struggling with calculations, have a calculator handy!
  • If having trouble getting started, think about working backwards from the completed student packets – what do these totals mean for ordering each item?
  • Think about adding some additional supplies to each student packet that you think would be important. What packaging amounts would make sense for initially ordering these items?

Source: Adapted from University of Waterloo – CEMC Problem of the Week Database