Understanding the components of this mathematical problem and combining all of the parts to create models that will help students understand and solve the problem is a rigorous task for these youngsters. They struggle to manipulate the symbols and in small groups reason abstractly and quantitatively to make sense of the problem.

They eventually de-conseptualize the constraints to understand the variables, solve the problem, and reinforce their math skills. Throughout the exercise, the teacher directs the process by asking questions that direct the students to success in problem solving.