Red Balloons, Blue Balloons

Why do this problem?

This problem would be a good one when doing calculations with fractions. It also requires logical thinking and organising of results. Different strategies and approaches can be taken: knowledge of addition, or multiples, or an understanding of fractions can be used to arrive at a solution.

Key questions

Possible extension

Learners could make up a similar problem of their own for a friend to try.

Possible support

Breaking the problem down step by step will help learners reach a solution. It might be useful to have each subsequent piece of information written on a separate card so that they can be given to children when ready, rather than presenting all the information at once.