Maths Menu Task – free sample task

Free sample from the Real World Maths Challenges series

Real-life maths is where independent, capable students really get to shine — and “calculate the family restaurant bill” is the kind of task that feels like a treat, not a worksheet.

This free sample task is one of 30 independent, open-ended maths challenges designed for your high potential and high-achieving students. Students research a real restaurant menu, plan a family meal, and work through genuine multi-step calculations — with built-in extension challenges for those who finish quickly or want to push further.

What’s inside this sample:

• Full task instructions, materials list, and presentation requirements
• Real-world context: choosing meals, calculating totals, working out tips
• Built-in extension challenges (surcharges, discounts, budget constraints)
• Ready to use as a fast finisher task, fortnightly challenge, or homework research task

This is one task from the full 30-task set. Each challenge covers a different real-world context and mathematical concept — perfect for a rotating menu of independent extension work across the year, with zero ongoing prep for you.

Download your free sample below, and see the full Real World Maths Challenges set in the shop.