Halloween Math & Reading — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A black cat crossed 8 paths with 6 steps each. It took 50 steps because 8 × 6 = 50.
Corrected: A black cat crossed 8 paths with 6 steps each. It took 48 steps because 8 × 6 = 48.
8 × 6 = 48, not 50. Double three times: 8 doubled is 16, then 16 doubled is 32, plus 16 = 48, or simply skip-count by 6 eight times.
2. Fix the sentence:
Frankenstein sorted 84 bolts equally into 7 jars. Each jar has 13 bolts because 84 ÷ 7 = 13.
Corrected: Frankenstein sorted 84 bolts equally into 7 jars. Each jar has 12 bolts because 84 ÷ 7 = 12.
84 ÷ 7 = 12, not 13. Check: 7 × 12 = 84, while 7 × 13 = 91.
3. Fix the sentence:
Sofia bought 3 scarecrows at $22 each and one broom for $19. She spent $83 because 3 × 22 = 66 and 66 + 19 = 83.
Corrected: Sofia bought 3 scarecrows at $22 each and one broom for $19. She spent $85 because 3 × 22 = 66 and 66 + 19 = 85.
3 × 22 = 66 is correct, but 66 + 19 = 85, not 83. Add the ones: 6 + 9 = 15 (write 5, carry 1), then 6 + 1 + 1 = 8.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A scarecrow guards 8 fields with 9 pumpkins each. There are 72 pumpkins in all.
8 × 9 = 72. Think (8 × 10) - 8 = 80 - 8 = 72.
2. A skeleton divides 117 bones equally among 9 closets. Each closet has 13 bones.
117 ÷ 9 = 13. Check: 9 × 13 = 117, from (9 × 10) + (9 × 3) = 90 + 27 = 117.
3. Seven trick-or-treat bags cost $11 each. The total price is $77.
7 × $11 = $77. Split as (7 × 10) + 7 = 70 + 7 = 77.
4. A ghost hides 96 treats in 6 equal groups. Each group has 16 treats.
96 ÷ 6 = 16. Break 96 into 60 + 36: 60 ÷ 6 = 10 and 36 ÷ 6 = 6, giving 10 + 6 = 16.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. A vampire bought 3 capes at $25 each and 2 wigs at $18 each. How much did he spend in total? Show your steps.
Sample answer: Step 1: 3 × 25 = $75 for capes. Step 2: 2 × 18 = $36 for wigs. Step 3: 75 + 36 = $111 total.
Find each item cost separately with multiplication, then add the two totals together for the full amount spent.
2. What does the metaphor "The cemetery was a blanket of silence" mean? Explain in your own words.
Sample answer: It means the cemetery was completely quiet. The writer compares the silence to a blanket to show it covered everything, making the reader feel how still it was.
A metaphor says one thing IS another without using 'like' or 'as'. Calling silence a 'blanket' creates an image of quiet covering the whole place.