Sample Problems

Grades 1-2

The Cat in the Hat caught 5 fish plus one-half of the total catch. How many fish did he catch?

Three pirates are trying to move a large treasure chest across a river. The trouble is, their boat can only fit 2 pirates and the chest or 3 pirates. Also, it takes all 3 pirates to lift the chest. How can the pirates all cross the river with their treasure?

Grades 3-5

In a family, a brother has as many sisters as brothers, but each of his sisters has half as many sisters as brothers. How many children are there in the family?

Fold a single piece of paper in such a way that with a single straight cut you make a 5-pointed star. Now fold another piece of paper to make a heart with a single straight cut.