MATHEMATICAL STORY

Ashu was a cute little girl of six. Every night, she listened to the stories told by her mother. She wanted new stories every time and her mother never ran out of new ideas.

She wanted Ashu to learn and also enjoy the stories. One night, Ashu demanded a new story as usual.

Her mother said,” Okay. I will tell you one mathematical story today. Does that sound fine?”

Ashu said,” Mathematical story? Sounds interesting. Alright mom. I am all ears.”

Her mother started,”Once there was a beautiful orchard. It was very big. It had apple trees, mango trees , guava trees and orange trees. You love these fruits,right?”

Ashu nodded. She asked her mother,” How many apple trees were there mother? You didn’t tell the numbers.”

“That’s the special part. You are going to say it.”

Ashu was puzzled. “Me?”

“Yes. Now let us start. There were 10–2 apple trees. Can you solve it?”

Ashu thought for a while and said,” 8 apple trees mother.”

“Good Ashu. Now there were 8+2 mango trees. So how many in total?”

Ashu thought and said,” 10 mango trees mom.”

“Good going Ashu. Now there were 8–5 guava trees.”

Ashu calculated and said,” 3?mother.”

“Say it with confidence Ashu, you are right. Even if you go wrong, don’t be afraid.I will correct you if you are wrong. That’s how you will learn. Right?”

Ashu smiled.

Her mother said ,” Finally, there were 3+1 orange trees.”

Ashu said,” 4 mom.”

“Good. You got all the answers right. Now, which tree is most in number? “

“ Ashu thought and said, “ I can’t recall mom.”

“It’s okay dear. Mango trees are the most. You remember 10?”

“Ashu said, “ Oh yes mom. The king of fruits. So the children ate the juicy fruits and went home happily. The orchard was happy because the children were happy. The end.”

“ So, did you have fun? “ Ashu’s mother asked smiling.

“Yes mother. I loved the story.Math is fun.”

Both laughed and Ashu went to bed.

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