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Apples and pears — red and green
A fruit stall sold apples and pears, each available in red and green varieties. In total, 800 pieces of fruit were sold. There were 60 more red apples sold than green apples, and 40 more red pears sold than green pears. Among the red fruit, the number of red apples to red pears sold was in the ratio 5 : 4.
- (a) How many red apples were sold?
- (b) How many green pears were sold?
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The pattern behind it: Units and parts
Cut one amount into equal shares. One number tells you what a share is worth.
In this one. Add the apple and pear subgroup differences to get the overall red–green difference, because those two subgroups together make all the fruit.
How to spot it
A single amount is split by a ratio, a fraction or a percentage. One extra number gives you the leftover, the difference, or the value of one share.
Common mistake
Children match the given number to the wrong number of shares, using the whole bar when the number covers only the leftover or the difference between two people's shares.
Try one like it
Standard A bicycle's price — the percentage increase A bicycle shop increased the price of a bicycle from $650 to $780. What is the percentage increase?The 33 problem patterns
All 33 patterns, one to a page — the 19 behind Primary 5 and 6 word problems, and the skills the younger years are built on. The bar model, how to spot it in the question, and the mistake children make. A booklet you can print. Free.
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