A limit is the most a bank allows. It is a top, not a goal.
In the made-up town of Pennywell, Tess's card came with a limit of twenty coins. A limit is the most the bank lets her owe at one time. It is a ceiling, a top, not a goal.
Owing is not owning. When the bank pays the shop, Tess owes the bank, and every coin used is paid back.
Room is what is left under the limit. Room works like a cushion that catches surprises, like a flat tire.
The bank sets the top, but how far to go is the borrower's own choice, every time.
These are some of the questions on the sets. The printable sheets have more and an answer key.
12. 20 − 8 = 12.
A top to stay under. Nobody has to reach it.
No. Only the top moved up.
9. 20 − 11 = 9.
With a grown-up, find one limit in town, like a lift's weight limit or a speed limit, and say what staying under it gives everyone.
Find one limit in town together, like a lift's weight limit or a speed limit, and talk about what staying under it gives everyone. This is about a pretend card in a made-up town, not advice about any real card or bank.
