Seating Problem

Sunshine State Standards

MA.4.A.4.2

Materials

Blank sheets of paper

Directions:

Our class has 26 students. Mrs. Cavender’s class has 28 students. Our class has been invited to join Mrs. Cavender’s class for a cooking activity in the lunchroom. The tables need to be arranged so that all the tables are touching and there are no empty seats. At one table, by itself, two students fit on a long side, and one person can sit on a short side.

1. Draw pictures to show at least 2 ways that 2 tables could touch.

2. Draw 2 tables touching in a way different from the picture shown below. Draw children seated in your picture. How many students are seated in your picture?

3. Draw a picture of our class and Mrs. Cavender’s class seated around tables that are touching. Be sure there are no empty seats.

4. Think about your drawing. Could you have used fewer tables for all the students? Is there another arrangement that would work? Write a note to Mrs. Cavender explaining how you will arrange the tables for both classes.

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