6th Grade Math Question of the Day

1. Tom scores $n$ points in round one, 4 points in round two, then averages over 3 total rounds for 12 points per round
2. Mike has $n$ books, buys 4 more, then splits them equally into 3 boxes, putting 12 books in each box
3. Lisa buys $n$ apples, adds 4 from home, then eats one-third of them, consuming 12 apples total
4. Sarah has $n$ stickers, receives 4 more, then divides them equally among 3 friends, giving each friend 12 stickers (correct answer)

Explanation: When you encounter a word problem creation question, you need to translate the algebraic equation into a real-world scenario that matches each mathematical operation exactly. Let's break down the equation $\frac{n + 4}{3} = 12$. This tells us that some quantity $n$ is increased by 4, then that sum is divided by 3, and the result equals 12. Choice D correctly captures this sequence: Sarah starts with $n$ stickers, receives 4 more (giving her $n + 4$ stickers total), then divides them equally among 3 friends. Each friend gets $\frac{n + 4}{3} = 12$ stickers. This perfectly matches our equation. Choice A is incorrect because averaging over 3 rounds doesn't represent division by 3 in this context. Tom's average would be $\frac{n + 4}{3}$, but the problem states he averages 12 points per round over 3 total rounds, which would mean his total points equal $12 \times 3 = 36$. Choice B is wrong because it describes putting 12 books in each of 3 boxes, which means the total books would be $12 \times 3 = 36$, not that $\frac{n + 4}{3} = 12$. Choice C incorrectly represents eating one-third of the apples. If Lisa eats $\frac{n + 4}{3} = 12$ apples, this would be the portion consumed, not a division into equal groups. Study tip: When creating or evaluating word problems for equations, trace through each operation step-by-step and ensure the final mathematical relationship matches the equation exactly.