GRADE 8: Weekly Math Problem Solving: Problem #9
Name: ___________________ Date: _____________________
Be sure to show all of your work and your reasoning. Consider all possibilities and
explain each step in your method. Refer to your rubric for all parts needed to
achieve the maximum score. Be sure to follow the steps of problem solving we used
in the classroom:
Step 1: Read the Problem
Step 2: What is the problem asking me to solve?
Step 3: Is there any information I do not understand? Find out what it means.
Step 4: List all the information that is given to you.
Step 5: Select a strategy to solve this problem.
Step 6: Show all your steps to achieve a solution. Include a concluding statement.
Problem #9:
As a service project, the Student Council at my school wanted to raise money for the
Humane Society. After a brief debate, the students decided to hold a Most Appealing
Nose contest. Each contestant would submit a photograph of his or her pet, along with the
application fee of $5.
Half of the photographs submitted were pictures of cats, so it was no surprise when a
lovely black cat named Peaches won the top prize, $25 worth of cat food and toys. A
quarter of the photographs received were pictures of dogs, 1/8 were pictures of horses,
1/16 were pictures of fish, and 13 were gerbils. Only 1/32 of the photos were pictures of
canaries, and some students were surprised when Chandlor Canary, belonging to Ms.
Cronin, flew away with the second place prize, a $1.79 bag of birdseed.
a) If the only expense was the money spent for prizes, how much money did the Student
Council raise for the Humane Society?
b) Count the number of legs on all the animals entered in the contest. Don't forget to
explain how you found this answer.
Be sure to organize your answer in a clear & logical way! Include all explanations!