Melissa started saving money last spring to take her family to the zoo during their family reunion. She collected $51. The cost of admission is $5 for adults (non-seniors), $2 for senior citizens, and $3 for children.

She wants to take all eight of the children, including herself, and as many adults and senior citizens as possible. What are all the combinations of adults and senior citizens Melissa can take so that all of the money is spent on admissions?

Answer Key:

The three combinations that let Melissa spend all $51 are:

5 adults, 1 senior citizen
3 adults, 6 senior citizens
1 adult, 11 senior citizens
(Remember, you need to have all three to have completely answered the question.)

If your answer does not match our answer,

have you checked your arithmetic?
have you re-read the problem?
did you remember to subtract the cost for 8 children?
have you tried making a chart to think about the problem?