Solve the following problem using Singapore Math:
Melanie has 4 different colored crayons and 2
different boxes as shown below. How many
different ways can Melanie put all 4 crayons
into the 2 boxes so that each box has at least 1
crayon?
Let’s solve the problem using the Singapore Math method.
Step 1: Understand the problem.
Melanie has 4 different colored crayons and 2 different boxes. She wants to put all 4 crayons into the boxes, but each box must have at least 1 crayon. We need to find out how many different ways she can do this.
Step 2: Plan a solution.
To solve this problem, we can use a method called systematic listing. We will list out all the possible ways Melanie can put the crayons in the boxes, making sure that each box has at least 1 crayon.
Step 3: Find the solutions.
Let’s start listing the possibilities:
| Box 1 | Box 2 |
| Crayon 1 | Crayon 2,3 and 4 |
| Crayon 2 | Crayon 1,3 and 4 |
| Crayon 3 | Crayon 1,2 and 4 |
| Crayon 4 | Crayon 1, 2 and 3 |
| Crayon 2,3 and 4 | Crayon 1 |
| Crayon 1,3 and 4 | Crayon 2 |
| Crayon 1,2 and 4 | Crayon 3 |
| Crayon 1, 2 and 3 | Crayon 4 |
| Crayon 1, 2 | Crayon 3, 4 |
| Crayon 1, 3 | Crayon 2, 4 |
| Crayon 1, 4 | Crayon 2, 3 |
| Crayon 2, 3 | Crayon 1, 4 |
| Crayon 2, 4 | Crayon 1,3 |
| Crayon 3,4 | Crayon 1, 2 |
Step 4: Analyze the solutions.
We have listed all the possible ways Melanie can put the crayons into the boxes. Counting the number of rows in our table, we find that there are 14 different ways.
Step 5: Answer the question.
There are 14 different ways Melanie can put the crayons into the boxes so that each box has at least 1 crayon.
Source:
The Singapore Math method emphasizes problem-solving strategies and visual representation to help students understand mathematical concepts. This problem can be solved using systematic listing, a common technique taught in Singapore Math. The step-by-step approach presented here is aligned with the principles of the Singapore Math curriculum and materials.
And by Guisela Rojas Specialized teacher in Singapore Math classes for children. +56945517215. Singapore Math classes in English or Spanish.