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'Good Work If You Can Get It' printed from https://nrich.maths.org/
Why do this problem?
This problem encourages students to think of different ways in which it can be solved. This can be done using trial and improvement, but preferably, and more efficiently, by creating some linear equations. The very fact that the six men have names beginning with the letters A to F should make an algebraic solution stand out!
Possible approach
You could introduce the problem to the class, and give them a little bit of time to work in pairs to suggest ways it could be tackled. Then come together again to share possible strategies and discuss any difficulties that might arise.
Once students have had a chance to develop clear strategies for working on the problem allow them some time in pairs to develop and discuss their answers.
Allow some time for feed back at the end and to explore and discuss both learners' methods and their answers.
Key questions
Have you thought of making a table to show how long each man worked?
Have you thought of making some algebraic equations from the information given?
Is your strategy the quickest way to work out the answer?
Possible extension
Learners could follow-up with this harder problem, How Many Miles to Go?
Possible support
Suggest making a table and tackle the problem using trial and improvement.