Subjects/Foundational Numeracy/Real Life: School Supplies Shopping
Foundational NumeracyWord Problems — Mixed Operations

Real Life: School Supplies Shopping

Calculate the cost of school supplies using all operations.

14 min

🎯 What You'll Learn

You will solve a complete school supplies shopping problem using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

🏪 Market Story

It's back-to-school time! Amina's mother gives her ₦1,000 to buy supplies for herself and her younger brother. Here are the prices:

  • Exercise books: ₦35 each
  • Pens: ₦20 each
  • Pencils: ₦10 each
  • Erasers: ₦5 each
  • School bag: ₦250 each
  • Ruler: ₦15 each

Each child needs: 4 exercise books, 2 pens, 3 pencils, 1 eraser, and 1 ruler. Can they afford it?

📝 Let's Learn

Cost per child:

  • Exercise books: 4 × ₦35 = ₦140
  • Pens: 2 × ₦20 = ₦40
  • Pencils: 3 × ₦10 = ₦30
  • Eraser: 1 × ₦5 = ₦5
  • Ruler: 1 × ₦15 = ₦15

Total per child: ₦140 + ₦40 + ₦30 + ₦5 + ₦15 = ₦230.

For 2 children: 2 × ₦230 = ₦460.

Money left: ₦1,000 − ₦460 = ₦540. They have enough for the supplies and still have money for other things!

✏️ Practice Questions

  1. Can Amina also buy a school bag (₦250) for each child with the remaining ₦540? How much would 2 bags cost?
  2. After supplies and bags, how much money would be left?
  3. If Amina's mother gives only ₦700, can she buy supplies for both children (₦460) and one school bag (₦250)?
Click to see answers
  1. 2 × ₦250 = ₦500. Yes, ₦540 is enough for 2 bags (₦500).
  2. ₦540 − ₦500 = ₦40 left.
  3. ₦460 + ₦250 = ₦710. ₦700 < ₦710. No, she's ₦10 short.

💡 Remember

Big shopping trips need all four operations: multiply for quantities, add for totals, subtract to check your budget, and divide to split costs. Plan before you spend!