The big ideaWhen coins buy only one thing, choosing it means giving up the other.
How it works
Zara had six coins. The kite cost six and the dragon book cost six too.
Both together cost twelve coins, because six and six make twelve. She had only six, so only one thing could come home.
That is a choice. Choosing one means not choosing the other, so the one left behind is what Zara gives up.
Neither choice is the right one. Each has something good, and choosing is about what you want most today.
What the kite and the book cost.Two choices, and what each gives up.
Example 1: Can she buy both?
The kite costs 6 and the book costs 6.
6 + 6 = 12.
Zara has 6 coins, which is fewer than 12, so she can buy only one.
Example 2: What is given up
Zara picks the kite and pays 6 coins.
6 − 6 = 0, so no coins are left.
She gives up the book to get the kite.
Example 3: Another Zara
On a rainy day another Zara picks the book.
She pays 6 coins and gives up the kite.
Neither choice is the right one.
Example 4: How many coins for both?
With 12 coins Zara can buy both, because 6 + 6 = 12.
With 9 coins she can buy one of them, but not both.
She would be 12 − 9 = 3 coins short.
Words to know
choice
Picking one thing when you cannot have both.
give up
The thing you do not pick.
cost
The coins something takes to buy.
Watch out
Choosing one thing means giving something up. That is okay: you can think about what you give up and still feel happy.
Six coins buys one of them, not both. Both cost twelve.
Four or five coins cannot buy even one, because one costs six.
Neither choice is the right one. It is about what you want most today.
Try it
Zara has 6 coins and picks the kite. What does she give up?
The kite costs 6 and the book costs 6. How much do both cost?
Can 9 coins buy both the kite and the book?
Can 12 coins buy both?
Answers: 1. The book · 2. 12 coins · 3. No · 4. Yes
Try at homeWith a grown-up, think of two things you want. Talk about which you pick and what you give up.
For grown-upsTalk about two things your child wants. Ask which they would pick and what they would give up, and let them decide without saying which is better. The coins are pretend.
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