Number (multiplication and division): Wild Waterhole
The Problem
One afternoon, at the human-made waterhole, a large bull elephant knocked the main camera with its trunk. The camera was still able to take a photograph, but only the animals’ legs were captured. In total there were 22 legs in the photo that belonged to a mixture of four-legged elephants and two-legged yellow-billed storks.
How many elephants and how many storks might there be in the photo?
Mohammed said, “There is more than one answer to this problem.” Is Mohammed right? How would you convince someone else?
Did you Know?
A yellow-billed stork is a large, mostly white bird. It hunts for food in waterholes and wetland areas by stirring up mud with its feet. It then snaps up any creatures in the water with its long, yellow beak.
Visualising the Problem and Getting Started
Earlier in the day, when the camera was in its correct position, a photograph was taken that showed 2 yellow-billed storks and an elephant at the waterhole.
How many legs are there altogether in this photograph?
Drake said, “If three more elephants arrived at this waterhole, there would be a total of 22 legs in the photo.” Is Drake right? How do you know?