October (Grades 6-8)

Halloween

Do you ever trade certain pieces of Halloween candy with a friend or sibling for the candy you prefer?  Is it always an equal value trade (for example- would you trade one tootsie roll for a full size candy bar?)?  Think about the candy you typically collect when trick-or-treating. Assign values based on the size and type of candy.  Write equations using variables for different types of candy, to show what might equitable trades of Halloween candy.

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Pumpkin Growing Contest

The first prize pumpkin is awarded $6 per pound.  Second prize is always awarded $2,000. How heavy would the first prize pumpkin need to be to win more than the second place contestant?  Show how you know.

Last year, the first place winner was a 1,985 lb. pumpkin, claiming the first place prize and an extra $30,000 prize for setting the world record.  How much was the grower’s total prize?

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Hibernation

During hibernation, male black bears can lose up to 30% of their body weight, while female black bears lose 40% body weight. The average male black bear weighs 250 lbs. 

How much do you estimate the male bear would weigh after hibernation? 

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The average female weighs 150 lbs. What do you estimate the female bear weighs after hibernation?