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Problem 16 · Pairing PacketsPrint one blank worksheet now, or prepare a family or classroom packet.

Problem 16

Pairing Packets

Student worksheets
1 generic worksheet · no answer keyIn the printer dialog, print one copy of this prepared packet and choose single-sided for separate handouts.
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Name
Date

Pairing Packets

Earn one jewelTumbled GarnetLevel 2

The problem

One mail cart must carry more than 12 but fewer than 19 packets. The cart may leave only when every packet can be put into a pair.

Questions

Record your complete list and explanation on separate paper.

  1. Find every possible total that lets the cart leave.

  2. For each answer, write how many pairs it makes. Explain why each other allowed total does not work.

What to include

List every valid total with its number of pairs. Give one brief explanation covering every remaining allowed total.

How did it feel?

Pick the option that best matches this challenge. Recommendations use topic, math area, grade, story, and thinking challenge.

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Full rating evidence

Difficulty & skills

Designed for Grade 2 · Uses Middle Grade 2 math · About 2–6 minutes

Grade 2 · Number and operations · Equal groups

MJ 2.5 · C2 · W1

MathJewels rates content readiness, problem-solving challenge, and workload separately. These estimates describe the easiest reasonable solution path and do not reveal the solution.

Content level

MJ 2.5

Grades K–2

Grade 2 progression · point 5

Likely range
MJ 2.5–2.6
Confidence
84%

Challenge

C2 · Standard

The solver chooses and coordinates familiar methods.

  • Method selection1
  • Reasoning depth2
  • Novelty1
  • Constraint management1
  • Proof or justification1

Workload

W1 · Light

A short response with only a few steps.

Active time
2–6 minutes · typically 4
Response
Short Explanation
Known-method steps
10
  • Mechanical execution1
  • Written output1
  • Representation production1
  • Bookkeeping1

Learning focus

Skills this problem practices

What a successful response demonstrates, with each skill’s share of the content rating.

  • Reason about odd and even numbers

    Determine whether a whole number can be paired or split into two equal whole-number groups and use that structure in an explanation.

    • Independent mastery
    • 100% focus
    • MJ 2.5 milestone

Readiness

Helpful prerequisites

Skills the rating assumes are already available to the learner.

  • Count and compare within 20

    Count concrete objects or actions up to 20 with one-to-one correspondence, name the total, and compare counted quantities using more, fewer, or the same.

    • Fluent readiness
    • Required
    • MJ 1.0 milestone