Prepare a gift budget by working on problem solving with division. Be ready with a piece of paper, a pen, and a gift catalog, if available.

Instead of a wish list, make a giving list where you will put the items you can give away to your family and friends.

First, set a budget. How much money do you want to spend? Check to see how much money you actually have. You may need to save to cover the costs in your giving list. For example, you have saved $160 from your allowance. Put this on top of your list.

My Giving List

Budget: $160

People to give gifts to:

  1. Mom
  2. Dad
  3. Bill
  4. Uncle Tom
  5. Teacher Jack
  6. Teacher Grace
  7. Polly
  8. Aunt Nina

Next, write the names of people you'd like to give gifts to during the holidays or any occasion. Count the number of people on your list. If you've listed 8 people, divide your budget among them. Dividing $160 by 8 equals 20 (160 ÷ 8 = 20). You can spend $20 for each person.

division problem

Then think of items that are within your budget. You can give items that come in sets but can also be bought per piece-like cards, posters, handkerchiefs, or stickers. Ask an adult for an estimated price, or check out a catalog or a nearby store for a price list. For example, a pack of greeting cards costs $10. Each pack has 5 cards. Dividing 10 by 5 equals 2 (10 ÷ 5 = 2), so each card costs $2. You can give each person on your list a card and still have money left from your $20 per person budget.

You'll be doing quite a lot of problem solving here, but it's worth the time. Besides, the people on your giving list will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Ready to move on to the next lesson?
 Division Problem Solving Basics