Math Problem of the Week - Upper Elementary - Apr. 10, 2022 to Apr. 16, 2022

Upper Elementary: 

Question: Women in Gambia often need to transport large containers of water over great distance so that their families have safe water to drink. Siabatou has a container that holds 5 gallons of water. Each gallon weighs 8 1/2 pounds. The container itself weighs 2 1/2 pounds. How much does Siabatou's container weigh when it is full?

Answer: 45 pounds

Solution: First, we need to find out how much 5 gallons of water weighs. If each gallon weighs 8½ pounds, then 5 gallons weighs 8½ × 5 = 42½ pounds. Next, we need to add the weight of the container itself: 42½ + 2½ = 45 pounds altogether.