An easy question on work problems for P3–P4, with a step-by-step solution, diagrams and the answer. Common in the Hua Xia Cup's P3 to P6 papers; harder ones have someone leaving partway, people taking turns, or cows grazing a field that keeps growing.
The question
Before the school open day, 2 pupils fold paper cranes together:
8 an hour between them.
Every pupil folds the same number an hour.
If 3 pupils folded together, how many cranes would they fold an hour?
Show the hints (2)
💡Hint 1: How many does one pupil make in an hour?
💡Hint 2: 8 is what 2 make together; share it equally among 2.
Worked solution
Have a go first, then read the solution step by step.
1.2 make 8 an hour between them, so one pupil makes 8 ÷ 2 = 4 an hour.
2.3 make 4 each: 4 × 3 = 12 an hour.
⚠️Common mistake: adding or taking away the difference in people from 8. First find what one pupil makes, then multiply.
Play more like this in Numsprite (unlimited questions, instant marking) →A free maths game: every level free from Easy to Expert (★ to ★★★★), unlimited questions, no download