(easier version)

 
"Red, Yellow, Orange and Brown,
Leaves are falling all over town!"

said Gina as she raked up a big pile of leaves. "I learned that poem in kindergarten."

"I have a better one," laughed her cousin, Barney.

"Raking leaves is very hard
And most of the leaves fell in this backyard!"
 

"That's a good one, Barney," I said. "I love having lots of trees in my yard, but it is a big job raking them up in the fall. Thanks for offering to help."

"Who could resist your offer to make taffy apples and hot cider!" said Danny, stopping to rest. (Offering food is a great way to get Danny to do anything!)
 

"And don't forget, I promised to pay you a nickel for every minute you raked!"

"OK," laughed Danny starting to rake again. "I can take a hint!"

After the job was done and the snacks were eaten, I reached for my purse.

"Let's see. How much do I owe each of you?"

"I raked for 20 minutes," said Gina.

"I raked for 5 more minutes than Gina," bragged Barney.

"I raked 5 minutes less than Gina," admitted Danny.

 

I got down my big nickel piggy bank and began to pay. How many nickels did I have to pay each child? (You might want to try some of Barney, Danny and Gina's strategies. See "Learn How This Site Works" on the Aunty Math Welcome Page)

http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/aunty/index.html
 

Where will you start? What do you already know that could help you solve the problem? How will you check your answer to be sure you are correct?

Love,
Aunty Math