Brain Workout Problem Day #1

Math is BORING! Math is TOO DIFFICULT! Math is IRRELEVANT and I'm NEVER going to USE IT! These are some complaints I hear from my students everyday. I find the majority of these students usually struggle in the class and have a fixed mindset for math. These students somehow think that their brain doesn't work with numbers and simply never gave themselves a chance to learn math. In order to boost my students' interest and confidence for math, I alway include at least one "Brain Workout" problem in my lesson.

These problems are normally brain teaser, math puzzle, riddle, and quick mental math challenge. My main goal is to get my students to think and practice becoming problem solvers. Some of these problems have multiple range of answers to accommodate lower performance students and at the same time challenge higher students. To encourage all students to try, I accept all solution that has a reasonable explanation and share them with the class. My students are very excited when we work on a Brain Workout problem and it definitely shows them the FUN side of math. I want to bring you one Brain Workout problem a day to help boost your GROWTH MINDSET.

This is a great a problem to help remind my students to always reduce their fraction. Remember, I am simply sharing my thoughts and experience as a math teacher. I am willing to learn and adapt in order to become a better educator. Please COMMENT and UPVOTE to help me improve!

Mr. Cudavenguyen

Sample solutions:
1/3, 2/6, 4/12, 19/57.....you get the idea. The cool answer will be posted on Day #2.