Today’s problem — free all day, every step. Every day has one.
Vending machine — chips and cookies
A vending machine dispenses snacks in the ratio of 4 chips to 2 cookies. Each chip costs $1, and each cookie costs $2. If the total value of all snacks is $24, how many snacks are there altogether?
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65 worked examples are free without a code, two from every pattern. No account, either way.
The pattern behind it: Number × value
One batch repeats. Work out one batch, then multiply.
In this one. The ratio fixes a batch that repeats, so give the batch a value — number × value — and the total money tells you how many batches there are.
How to spot it
Items are described as a fixed group or ratio that repeats, such as tiles following a pattern, snacks sold in a fixed mix, or a rate given per hour or per item.
Common mistake
Children start from the grand total instead of first working out what one batch is worth. In rate questions they also confuse a duration with a clock time.
Try one like it
Standard Buns and muffins — 3 : 5 worth $55 A bakery sells buns and muffins in the ratio of 3 buns to 5 muffins. Each bun costs $2, and each muffin costs $1. If the total val…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.
A PDF, and a note when new solutions go up.