Remainders and Assumptions

Posted on by Wynne Leon

Over the holiday break I was looking over some completed fourth grade assignments that were sent home with my nine-year-old daughter, Miss O. The class is working on division. Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you to do the math so just stick with me – the pay off is worth it.

Here’s the story problem: 62 fourth grade students are going on a field trip to the Exploratorium. They will travel by car. If each car holds 4 students, how many cars will be needed?

And Miss O did the math and answered: They will need 15 cars. They can squish 2 extra people in.

Maybe it’s just because I love math, but I’ve been chucking about that answer every since I read it. Remainders and assumptions – always a problem. Not to mention, our divisions.

I think we have individual approaches to remainders and assumptions. I’m a “let’s have extra” person normally. If I throw a party, I’ll make more than needed and assume everyone will eat more.

That’s probably because my mom is a “let’s go with less” person who doesn’t like remainders and will assume not everyone will show up.

For me, remainders signify abundance. What we have extra of so that we use and give it freely.

Here are some things that I’m wishing our HoTM community has in abundance in 2025: joy, kindness, courage, wellness and love.

Our two years as a shared blog has shown me this community has a lot of that and more so may it continue to grow!

Happy 2025!

(featured photo from Pexels)

40 thoughts on “Remainders and Assumptions”

  1. at first i thought it was a trick question because I divided by 5 – including the driver of the car – but then I re-read it and realized that the assumption was 4 students plus a driver – it’s all interpretation! Thanks for the math and insight! XOV

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  2. That is too funny. Love her answer and thoughtfulness! What did the teacher have to say about her answer?

    I’m also a person who plans for remainders and extras rather than hope people don’t show up, even though it’s always the law of the universe.

    May we all be filled with abundance this year ahead! And welcome back from the break, HOTM!

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    1. The teacher said, “I don’t that that would be safe! They need seat belts.” And that cracked me up even more… 🙂 Then she gave the correct answer of 16.

      Here’s to abundance! So grateful to be in this community with you, Ab!

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  5. I like your hopeful intentions for 2025…almost as much as I appreciate Miss O’s creative math. I knew I liked that young lady! And I love Beth’s thought – yes! Solve the “problems” – math or otherwise – with humanity! xo! 🥰

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  8. I’m still laughing at the 2 people squishing in, that’s awesome, Wynne. 😂 I always go for abundance. If you are enjoying the process of planning a get-together and preparing food, it is almost impossible not to “add” a little more. There’s some more math. 🙂 Cheers to a wonderful 2025.

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  9. I’m with you-go with more. Your daughter must take after your mom-less waste. Is there a middle ground in here somewhere? I think we can all agree on wanting to foster more joy, kindness, courage, wellness and love. 🙂

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  11. Oh my goodness, my eyes are glazing over just reading that math problem!!! What’s that say about me Wynne! Ha ha, now Joy, kindness, courage, wellness, and love! Now they get my heart beating and my brain thinking! Yes, I’m a mess. 😎😎😎🤣🤣🤣🤣

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  14. You know where my mind went with this one, Wynne? Halloween. We always buy more than is necessary because I excel at eating the remainder—a nice side benefit.

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