Algebra the KnittyBits Way

The first problem on Zack's worksheet goes something like this:

There are 24 Booster Club members and each member bought either a pennant or cap from the concession stand. The pennants cost $1.25 each and the caps cost $1.50 each. The total bill came to $34. How many caps were sold?

The "algebra" solution:
c + p = 24 and 1.25p + 1.5c = 34
c=24-p
1.25p+1.5(24-p)=34
1.25p+36-1.5p=34
1.25p-1.5p=-2
p=8 pennants
c+8=24
c=16 caps

The "knittybits" solution:
Sack the dude who is running the concession stand. He is too preoccupied with flirting with the cheerleaders and is not keeping track of the inventory. It's not harsh. You're doing him a favor.

When my teenage son asks why he needs algebra, I'm at a loss as to what to tell him. I guess it comes in handy when someone is purposefully vague and only gives you part of the story. Other than that...sheesh...maybe it would make more sense written as follows:

Chris purchased 2 balls of merino lace weight for 7 bucks each, 1 ball of single ply Tilli Tomas silk for 30 bucks and a 16" Addi Turbo circular needle in size 7. What color is the scarf she's going to knit?

The "knitty bits" solution:
The scarf is going to be a lovely blend of toasted almond and spiced ginger, knit in twisted garter stitch pattern of 2 rows silk and 2 rows lace weight and will be approximately 6-7 inches wide. Length depends on how much yarn I have. Beads would be nice...

On to better things. I have lost a 5-pound sack of potatoes. Five pounds may not sound like a lot of weight, but the next time you're at the grocery store, pick up a 5 pound sack. It's appallingly heavy! That amount of weight was unnecessarily IN MY BODY. Would you want to walk around with that strapped to your butt all day? No way, sir!