Word Problems & Luci

Word problems are a basic part of any good math program. They help students apply math concepts to real life situations. However, I think perhaps my daughter  might take them a little too seriously. The following conversation took place this morning.

Math Problem:

Bert has 8 horses on his farm. His father sold 3 horses. Bert has how many horses left on his farm?

Luci: What? Why would his father sell his horses? That's not nice.
Me: It's just a math problem, Luci.
Luci: But it's not right for Bert's father to sell three of his horses.
Me: Just figure out the answer, Luci.
Luci: Ok, but it's still not fair. Now he only has 5 horses.

That's my tender-hearted, the-world-must-be-fair, compassionate, seven year old daughter. I love her!