Winter Holiday Math & Reading — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The temperature dropped from 28°F to 15°F, a change of 23 degrees.
Corrected: The temperature dropped from 28°F to 15°F, a change of 13 degrees.
The corrected sentence is: "Mia had 45 of a cup of cocoa. She drank 15. She has 35 left because 45 − 15 = 35." The error was fraction subtraction error: the original sentence "Mia had 45 of a cup of cocoa. She drank 15. She has 25 left because 45 − 15 = 25." needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
A car travels 55 miles per hour for 3 hours and covers 155 miles.
Corrected: A car travels 55 miles per hour for 3 hours and covers 165 miles.
The corrected sentence is: "A snowplow cleared 3.4 miles in the morning and 2.5 miles later. It cleared 5.9 miles because 3.4 + 2.5 = 5.9." The error was decimal addition error: the original sentence "A snowplow cleared 3.4 miles in the morning and 2.5 miles later. It cleared 5.1 miles because 3.4 + 2.5 = 5.1." needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
Water freezes at 32°C, so snow can only fall below that temperature.
Corrected: Water freezes at 32°F (0°C), so snow can only fall below that temperature.
The corrected sentence is: "A holiday candle weighs 64 ounces. That equals 4 pounds because 64 ÷ 16 = 4." The error was conversion error: the original sentence "A holiday candle weighs 64 ounces. That equals 5 pounds because 64 ÷ 16 = 5." needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The morning temperature was 12°F and it rose 19 degrees by noon. The noon temperature was 31°F.
The answer is "710." Since both fractions have the same denominator (10), add the numerators: 3 + 4 = 7, giving 710.
2. A family drives 240 miles to visit relatives. If they drive 60 miles per hour, the trip takes 4 hours.
The answer is "7.8." Line up the decimal points and add: 4.6 + 3.2 = 7.8 inches of total snowfall.
3. A train ticket costs $18.50 per person. Two adult tickets cost $37.00.
The answer is "72." Since 1 foot = 12 inches, multiply 6 x 12 = 72 inches.
4. The instrument used to measure temperature is called a thermometer.
The answer is "6." Multiply 3 friends by 2 quarts each: 3 x 2 = 6 quarts of cider altogether.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. The high temperature on Monday was 35°F and the low was 18°F. On Tuesday the high was 29°F and the low was 10°F. Which day had a greater temperature range? Show your work.
Sample answer: Monday's range: 35 − 18 = 17 degrees. Tuesday's range: 29 − 10 = 19 degrees. Tuesday had a greater temperature range.
A good answer includes: Step 1: 78 − 38 = 48 of the tray. Step 2: 48 simplifies to 12 of the tray.
2. A family drives 180 miles to a ski resort. They stop halfway for lunch. How far is each half of the trip? If the second half takes 2 hours, what is their average speed?
Sample answer: Each half is 180 ÷ 2 = 90 miles. Average speed for the second half: 90 ÷ 2 = 45 miles per hour.
A good answer includes: The main idea is that families are spending time together outdoors on a snowy winter evening. The fire pit and marshmallows show a warm, cozy holiday tradition.