Alex’s Math CurseThe story of Alex S.’s

Winter Break

I dedicate this to my parents for always being there for me.

The day I left for California, I wanted to find out what time I should start packing. We have to leave for the airport at 2 o’clock, and do some last minute Christmas shopping while still getting home 15 minutes before we leave for the airport. Assuming shopping takes 1 hour, and packing takes me 45 minutes, what time should I start packing?

Problem 1

I wanted to find out how long to play flute. I want to watch TV for 30 minutes before tennis at 3 o’clock and have 5 minutes in between flute and TV. If I start at 1:45, how long should I practice?

Problem 2

On my drive to a ski resort wanted to ration my itouch’s power. It can last 2 hours 30 minutes but I want to save 20% of the battery. The total of both car rides to and from the resort is 8 hours. I also have a DS that lasts 3 hours, a book, and the option of looking out the window. I want to do each of these for the same amount of time. How long should I do each?

Problem 3

When we got to the ski resort we were in a line to rent skis and to sign up for lessons. There were about 30 people and the line literally took 3 hours. Approximately how long did each person take?

Problem 4

After my lesson I went skiing down the slopes. The line was 8 minutes, the lift was 6 minutes and skiing was 2 minutes. What percentage of the process was I actually skiing down the slope?

Problem 5

At the end of the vacation I wanted to find the average difference in temperature between San Diego, and Chicago. The high and low points for Chicago were 54 and 14. The high and low points for San Diego were 65 and 45. What was the average difference in temperature between Chicago and San Diego?

Problem 6

I wanted to find out what time I should start flute. I want to play for 30 minutes and have 1 hour 30 minutes to watch TV before I go to bed at 10:15. I want to have 5 minutes in between flute and TV, and 15 minutes in between TV and bed. What time should I start flute?

Problem 7

I wanted to find out what time I would finish packing for Illinois if I start at 12:15. Packing toys and Christmas gifts will take about 30 min, packing my backpack will take 20 minutes, and packing my clothes and everything else will take 35 minutes. What time will I finish?

Problem 8

I wanted to find out how long it would take to unpack. My suitcase would take 25 minutes, my backpack would take 15 minutes, and unpacking and placing my Christmas gifts would take another 15 minutes. How long would it take to completely unpack?

Problem 9

Which answer goes to which problem? (Labels or colons Not Included)

12.5 65 1200

21 40 140

755 6 2

Problem 10

1. 12:002. 40 minutes3. 2 hours4. 6 minutes5. 12.5 %6. 21 degrees Fairenheit7. 7:558. 1:409. 65 minutes

Answers

Alex is in fifth grade at Braeside Elementary. He is 10 years old and lives in Highland Park, Illinois. He was born in Cardiff, California (near San Diego) and moved to Illinois when he was 9. He is a big Charger fan, and also cheers on the Padres. Alex enjoys his new home and school, and is glad to be here.

All About Alex