Worked example
In one hour, Ari makes 8 cards or 4 bookmarks. How many cards does Ari give up by using that hour for bookmarks?
Answer & why
Answer: 8 cards
The hour used for bookmarks cannot also produce the available 8 cards.
Grade 6 · Social studies
Reason about specialization and exchange
Use a supplied production table to compare feasible choices and gains from a stated exchange.
6 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
Ari produces 8 cards and Bea produces 6 bookmarks. They trade 3 cards for 3 bookmarks. What bundle does Ari then hold?
- 8 cards and 6 bookmarks
- 5 cards and 3 bookmarks
- 11 cards and 3 bookmarks
- 3 cards and 5 bookmarks
A hint
Keep time and quantities consistent, and evaluate the particular trade described rather than assuming every trade benefits everyone.
Answer & why
Answer: 5 cards and 3 bookmarks
Ari gives away 3 of 8 cards and receives 3 bookmarks.
Question 2
Bea starts with 6 bookmarks, trades 3 of them for 3 cards, and receives nothing else. What bundle does Bea hold?
- 3 cards and 9 bookmarks
- 3 cards and 3 bookmarks
- 0 cards and 6 bookmarks
- 6 cards and 6 bookmarks
A hint
Keep time and quantities consistent, and evaluate the particular trade described rather than assuming every trade benefits everyone.
Answer & why
Answer: 3 cards and 3 bookmarks
Bea retains 3 bookmarks and receives 3 cards.
Question 3
A plan requires 14 cards, but the two stated producers can make at most 8 and 5 cards in the available time. Is the plan feasible without another source?
- Yes; capacity is 40 cards.
- No; capacity is 13 cards.
- Yes; the shortfall is automatically supplied.
- No; capacity is zero cards.
A hint
Keep time and quantities consistent, and evaluate the particular trade described rather than assuming every trade benefits everyone.
Answer & why
Answer: No; capacity is 13 cards.
8 + 5 = 13 cards, one fewer than required.
Question 4
A voluntary trade leaves each person with a bundle they prefer to their own starting bundle. What follows under those stated preferences?
- Production resources became unlimited.
- Neither gave anything up.
- Every possible trade must benefit them.
- Both prefer this particular trade to keeping their starting bundles.
A hint
Keep time and quantities consistent, and evaluate the particular trade described rather than assuming every trade benefits everyone.
Answer & why
Answer: Both prefer this particular trade to keeping their starting bundles.
The conclusion is limited to the specific preferences and exchange described.
Question 5
In one hour, Ari makes 8 cards or 4 bookmarks. How many cards does Ari give up by using that hour for bookmarks?
- 0 cards
- 12 cards
- 8 cards
- 4 cards
A hint
Keep time and quantities consistent, and evaluate the particular trade described rather than assuming every trade benefits everyone.
Answer & why
Answer: 8 cards
The hour used for bookmarks cannot also produce the available 8 cards.
Question 6
In one hour, Bea makes 6 cards or 6 bookmarks. Which statement compares these stated outputs correctly?
- Bea can make 6 of either item in that hour.
- Bea can make no bookmarks.
- Bea can make 12 of each item in that hour.
- Bea must make both outputs at once.
A hint
Keep time and quantities consistent, and evaluate the particular trade described rather than assuming every trade benefits everyone.
Answer & why
Answer: Bea can make 6 of either item in that hour.
The table offers alternative uses of the same hour.