These problem are practice problems presented by
Jennifer Powell in
Story Problems Made Easy.
The problems can be solved using arithmetic only. However they form an excellent enviroment for making the transition from arithmetic to algebra. The ideas are are appropriate for routine use by students in the fifth grade. They also can be solved using arithmetic or manipulatives in earlier grades. This provides a path for developing symbolic methods using algebra.
Just as word processing programs help the student develop creativity and discipline in writing, a symbolic algebra program, such as SureMath, help students develop creativity and discipline in problem solving.