$100 Words Challenge: A fun and engaging end-of-year math activity for students, featuring a colorful worksheet with letter values and word challenges.
A vibrant green and white chevron-patterned background features a central white label with the text "$100 WORDS CHALLENGE" in bold black font. Below, a sample worksheet titled "$100 WORDS CHALLENGE" displays a list of letters with assigned dollar values and a grid for writing words. To the right, the text "GREAT END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITY!" is prominently displayed. In the bottom right corner, a circular logo reads "Hayley Cain Activity After Math." The overall design is educational and colorful, ideal for classroom use.
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: SOLUTION: 100wordschallengegreatendoftheyearactivityfreebie 1 ...
▼
Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: SOLUTION: 100wordschallengegreatendoftheyearactivityfreebie 1 ...
To solve the $100 Words Challenge, we need to find words where the sum of their letter values equals exactly $100.
Each letter is assigned a dollar amount based on its position in the alphabet:
- A = $1
- B = $2
- C = $3
- ...
- Z = $26
So, for example:
- T = $20 (20th letter)
- U = $21
- R = $18
- K = $11
- E = $5
- Y = $25
The example given: TURKEY
→ 20 + 21 + 18 + 11 + 5 + 25 = 100 ✔
We need to find 7 more words that also add up to $100.
---
We’ll look for common English words with 4–7 letters. We can try adding letter values manually or use known combinations.
Let’s start finding some:
#### Word 1: “FJORD” — too short? Let’s check:
F=6, J=10, O=15, R=18, D=4 → 6+10+15+18+4 = 53 ✘
Try longer words.
#### Try: “BICYCLE”
B=2, I=9, C=3, Y=25, C=3, L=12, E=5
→ 2+9+3+25+3+12+5 = 59 ✘
Too low.
#### Try: “QUIZ” — Q=17, U=21, I=9, Z=26 → 17+21+9+26 = 73 ✘
Still low.
#### Try: “JAZZ” — J=10, A=1, Z=26, Z=26 → 10+1+26+26 = 63
Hmm.
Let’s think of words with high-value letters like Z, X, Q, J, K, V, W.
#### Try: “WIZARD”
W=23, I=9, Z=26, A=1, R=18, D=4
→ 23+9+26+1+18+4 = 81 ✘
Closer!
Add one more letter? “WIZZARD”? Not real.
Wait — what about “MAXIMIZE”?
M=13, A=1, X=24, I=9, M=13, I=9, Z=26, E=5
→ 13+1+24+9+13+9+26+5 = let’s calculate:
13+1=14
14+24=38
38+9=47
47+13=60
60+9=69
69+26=95
95+5=100 ✔✔✔
Great! MAXIMIZE = $100
---
#### Word 2: “JUKEBOX”
J=10, U=21, K=11, E=5, B=2, O=15, X=24
→ 10+21=31; +11=42; +5=47; +2=49; +15=64; +24=88 ✘
Too low.
What if we try “JUKEBOXES”? Too long? Let’s see:
J=10, U=21, K=11, E=5, B=2, O=15, X=24, E=5, S=19
→ 10+21=31; +11=42; +5=47; +2=49; +15=64; +24=88; +5=93; +19=112 ✘
Too high.
Backtrack.
#### Try: “FLEXIBLE”
F=6, L=12, E=5, X=24, I=9, B=2, L=12, E=5
→ 6+12=18; +5=23; +24=47; +9=56; +2=58; +12=70; +5=75
Nope.
#### Try: “EXACTLY”
E=5, X=24, A=1, C=3, T=20, L=12, Y=25
→ 5+24=29; +1=30; +3=33; +20=53; +12=65; +25=90 ✘
Close!
Add something? “EXACTLYS”? Not real.
Wait — what about “EXQUISITE”?
E=5, X=24, Q=17, U=21, I=9, S=19, I=9, T=20, E=5
→ 5+24=29; +17=46; +21=67; +9=76; +19=95; +9=104 → already over at 95+9=104 ✘
Too much.
Let me try a different approach — search for known $100 words.
I recall from similar puzzles:
✔ “HARDWORK” — H=8, A=1, R=18, D=4, W=23, O=15, R=18, K=11
→ 8+1=9; +18=27; +4=31; +23=54; +15=69; +18=87; +11=98 ✘ Close!
Almost there.
What if we change it slightly? “HARDWORKER”? Too long.
Wait — “HARDWORK” is 98. What if we swap a letter?
Not easy.
Another idea: “BACKPACK”
B=2, A=1, C=3, K=11, P=16, A=1, C=3, K=11
→ 2+1=3; +3=6; +11=17; +16=33; +1=34; +3=37; +11=48 ✘ Way off.
Let’s try “SCHOLARSHIP” — probably too long.
Wait — here’s a good one: “TYPEWRITER”
T=20, Y=25, P=16, E=5, W=23, R=18, I=9, T=20, E=5, R=18
→ Let’s add step by step:
20+25=45
+16=61
+5=66
+23=89
+18=107 → already over ✘
Oops.
Try shorter: “TWENTY”
T=20, W=23, E=5, N=14, T=20, Y=25
→ 20+23=43; +5=48; +14=62; +20=82; +25=107 ✘
Too high.
How about “THIRTY”?
T=20, H=8, I=9, R=18, T=20, Y=25
→ 20+8=28; +9=37; +18=55; +20=75; +25=100 ✔✔✔
Yes! THIRTY = $100
---
#### Word 3: “FORTY”
F=6, O=15, R=18, T=20, Y=25
→ 6+15=21; +18=39; +20=59; +25=84 ✘
Too low.
“FIFTY” — F=6, I=9, F=6, T=20, Y=25 → 6+9=15; +6=21; +20=41; +25=66 ✘
No.
Try “SEVENTY”
S=19, E=5, V=22, E=5, N=14, T=20, Y=25
→ 19+5=24; +22=46; +5=51; +14=65; +20=85; +25=110 ✘
Too high.
Wait — “NINETY”
N=14, I=9, N=14, E=5, T=20, Y=25
→ 14+9=23; +14=37; +5=42; +20=62; +25=87
Still low.
Try “EIGHTY”
E=5, I=9, G=7, H=8, T=20, Y=25
→ 5+9=14; +7=21; +8=29; +20=49; +25=74 ✘
Nope.
Let’s go back to known solutions.
I remember:
✔ “BANANA” — B=2, A=1, N=14, A=1, N=14, A=1 → 2+1+14+1+14+1=33 ✘
No.
Wait — “CABBAGE”? C=3, A=1, B=2, B=2, A=1, G=7, E=5 → 3+1+2+2+1+7+5=21 ✘
Way off.
Let me try “QUARTZ”
Q=17, U=21, A=1, R=18, T=20, Z=26
→ 17+21=38; +1=39; +18=57; +20=77; +26=103 Very close!
If only we could reduce by 3... but no.
What if we remove Z and add something else? Not helpful.
Another known word: “JUMPING”
J=10, U=21, M=13, P=16, I=9, N=14, G=7
→ 10+21=31; +13=44; +16=60; +9=69; +14=83; +7=90 ✘
Still low.
Wait — “JUMPSUIT”
J=10, U=21, M=13, P=16, S=19, U=21, I=9, T=20
→ 10+21=31; +13=44; +16=60; +19=79; +21=100; +9=109 → over at 79+21=100? Wait:
After S=19: total so far 60+19=79
Then U=21 → 79+21=100
But we still have I and T left → 100+9+20=129 ✘
Too many letters.
What if we stop at “JUMPSU”? Not a word.
Let’s try “KNOCKOUT”
K=11, N=14, O=15, C=3, K=11, O=15, U=21, T=20
→ 11+14=25; +15=40; +3=43; +11=54; +15=69; +21=90; +20=110 ✘
Over.
Try “LOCKOUT”
L=12, O=15, C=3, K=11, O=15, U=21, T=20
→ 12+15=27; +3=30; +11=41; +15=56; +21=77; +20=97 ✘ Close!
Only 3 short.
Change last letter? “LOCKOUX”? Not real.
Wait — “ROCKET”
R=18, O=15, C=3, K=11, E=5, T=20
→ 18+15=33; +3=36; +11=47; +5=52; +20=72 ✘
No.
Let’s try “SKYSCRAPER” — too long? Probably over.
Wait — I found online (but since I can’t access internet, I’ll rely on memory):
Common $100 words include:
- TURKEY (given)
- MAXIMIZE
- THIRTY
- TYPEWRITER? Earlier I got 107 — maybe miscalc?
Recalculate TYPEWRITER:
T=20, Y=25, P=16, E=5, W=23, R=18, I=9, T=20, E=5, R=18
Group:
20+25 = 45
45+16 = 61
61+5 = 66
66+23 = 89
89+18 = 107 ← yes, 107. So not valid.
Wait — what about “PNEUMONIA”? Too medical.
Try “BUTTERFLY”
B=2, U=21, T=20, T=20, E=5, R=18, F=6, L=12, Y=25
→ 2+21=23; +20=43; +20=63; +5=68; +18=86; +6=92; +12=104 → over ✘
At 92+12=104 — too much.
Remove Y? “BUTTERFL” — not a word.
Another idea: “CHICKEN”
C=3, H=8, I=9, C=3, K=11, E=5, N=14
→ 3+8=11; +9=20; +3=23; +11=34; +5=39; +14=53 ✘
No.
Wait — “FISHING”
F=6, I=9, S=19, H=8, I=9, N=14, G=7
→ 6+9=15; +19=34; +8=42; +9=51; +14=65; +7=72 ✘
Still low.
Let’s try “GIRAFFE”
G=7, I=9, R=18, A=1, F=6, F=6, E=5
→ 7+9=16; +18=34; +1=35; +6=41; +6=47; +5=52
No.
Perhaps “ZEBRA”
Z=26, E=5, B=2, R=18, A=1 → 26+5=31; +2=33; +18=51; +1=52 ✘
Same.
Wait — I recall “OXIDIZE”
O=15, X=24, I=9, D=4, I=9, Z=26, E=5
→ 15+24=39; +9=48; +4=52; +9=61; +26=87; +5=92 ✘
Close.
Add something? “OXIDIZES” — S=19 → 92+19=111 ✘
Too much.
What about “OXIDIZER” — same as above plus R=18 → 92+18=110 ✘
No.
Let’s try “VACUUM”
V=22, A=1, C=3, U=21, U=21, M=13
→ 22+1=23; +3=26; +21=47; +21=68; +13=81 ✘
Low.
“VACUUMS” — +S=19 → 81+19=100 ✔✔✔
Yes! VACUUMS = $100
Check:
V=22
A=1 → 23
C=3 → 26
U=21 → 47
U=21 → 68
M=13 → 81
S=19 → 100 ✔
Perfect.
---
#### Word 4: “VACUUMS”
Now let’s find another.
Try “WITCHCRAFT”
W=23, I=9, T=20, C=3, H=8, C=3, R=18, A=1, F=6, T=20
→ 23+9=32; +20=52; +3=55; +8=63; +3=66; +18=84; +1=85; +6=91; +20=111 ✘
Too high.
Try “WITCH” — too short.
Wait — “SWITCHBLADE” — too long.
Another known one: “JACKPOT”
J=10, A=1, C=3, K=11, P=16, O=15, T=20
→ 10+1=11; +3=14; +11=25; +16=41; +15=56; +20=76 ✘
Low.
“JACKPOTS” — +S=19 → 76+19=95 ✘
Still low.
“JACKPOTTY”? Not real.
Try “BUZZWORD”
B=2, U=21, Z=26, Z=26, W=23, O=15, R=18, D=4
→ 2+21=23; +26=49; +26=75; +23=98; +15=113 → over at 98+15=113 ✘
At 98 after W — then O makes 113.
What if we remove O and D? “BUZZW” — not a word.
Wait — “BUZZ” alone is 2+21+26+26=75 ✘
No.
Let’s try “FUZZY”
F=6, U=21, Z=26, Z=26, Y=25
→ 6+21=27; +26=53; +26=79; +25=104 ✘ Close!
Only 4 over.
If we could reduce by 4... replace Y with U? “FUZZU” — not real.
Replace one Z with Y? “FUYZY” — nonsense.
Not working.
Another idea: “HYMN” — too short.
Wait — “RHYTHM”
R=18, H=8, Y=25, T=20, H=8, M=13
→ 18+8=26; +25=51; +20=71; +8=79; +13=92 ✘
Close.
Add S? “RHYTHMS” — +S=19 → 92+19=111 ✘
Too much.
What about “RHYTHMIC” — even longer.
No.
Let’s try “SYMPATHY”
S=19, Y=25, M=13, P=16, A=1, T=20, H=8, Y=25
→ 19+25=44; +13=57; +16=73; +1=74; +20=94; +8=102 → over at 94+8=102 ✘
Very close — 102.
If we remove last Y? “SYMPATH” — not a word.
Or change last Y to something cheaper? Like E=5 → 94+5=99 ✘ Still not 100.
Wait — what if we do “SYMPATHE”? Not real.
Another known word: “ATTITUDE”
A=1, T=20, T=20, I=9, T=20, U=21, D=4, E=5
→ 1+20=21; +20=41; +9=50; +20=70; +21=91; +4=95; +5=100 ✔✔✔
Yes! ATTITUDE = $100
Check:
A=1
T=20 → 21
T=20 → 41
I=9 → 50
T=20 → 70
U=21 → 91
D=4 → 95
E=5 → 100 ✔
Perfect.
---
#### Word 5: “ATTITUDE”
Now let’s find two more.
Try “BEDROOM”
B=2, E=5, D=4, R=18, O=15, O=15, M=13
→ 2+5=7; +4=11; +18=29; +15=44; +15=59; +13=72 ✘
Low.
“BEDROOMS” — +S=19 → 72+19=91 ✘
Still low.
Try “BOOKKEEPER”
B=2, O=15, O=15, K=11, K=11, E=5, E=5, P=16, E=5, R=18
→ This will be big.
Calculate:
2+15=17; +15=32; +11=43; +11=54; +5=59; +5=64; +16=80; +5=85; +18=103 ✘ Close!
Only 3 over.
If we remove last R? “BOOKKEEPE” — not real.
Or change R to O? “BOOKKEEPO” — not real.
Not helpful.
Try “COOKBOOK”
C=3, O=15, O=15, K=11, B=2, O=15, O=15, K=11
→ 3+15=18; +15=33; +11=44; +2=46; +15=61; +15=76; +11=87 ✘
Low.
“COOKBOOKS” — +S=19 → 87+19=106
Over.
Try “FOOTBALL”
F=6, O=15, O=15, T=20, B=2, A=1, L=12, L=12
→ 6+15=21; +15=36; +20=56; +2=58; +1=59; +12=71; +12=83 ✘
Low.
“FOOTBALLS” — +S=19 → 83+19=102
Close.
What if we remove one L? “FOOTBAL” — not real.
Another idea: “GOALKEEPER”
G=7, O=15, A=1, L=12, K=11, E=5, E=5, P=16, E=5, R=18
→ 7+15=22; +1=23; +12=35; +11=46; +5=51; +5=56; +16=72; +5=77; +18=95 ✘
Low.
Add S? “GOALKEEPERS” — +S=19 → 95+19=114 ✘
Too much.
Let’s try “HANDKERCHIEF” — too long.
Wait — “HEADACHE”
H=8, E=5, A=1, D=4, A=1, C=3, H=8, E=5
→ 8+5=13; +1=14; +4=18; +1=19; +3=22; +8=30; +5=35
No.
Try “HEALTHY”
H=8, E=5, A=1, L=12, T=20, H=8, Y=25
→ 8+5=13; +1=14; +12=26; +20=46; +8=54; +25=79
Low.
“HEALTHIER” — +I=9, E=5, R=18 → 79+9=88; +5=93; +18=111 ✘
Over.
Let’s try “INCOME”
I=9, N=14, C=3, O=15, M=13, E=5
→ 9+14=23; +3=26; +15=41; +13=54; +5=59 ✘
No.
Wait — I recall “KNOWLEDGE”
K=11, N=14, O=15, W=23, L=12, E=5, D=4, G=7, E=5
→ 11+14=25; +15=40; +23=63; +12=75; +5=80; +4=84; +7=91; +5=96 ✘
Close!
Add S? “KNOWLEDGES” — +S=19 → 96+19=115 ✘
Too much.
What if we remove last E? “KNOWLEDG” — not real.
Another known word: “LAUNDRY”
L=12, A=1, U=21, N=14, D=4, R=18, Y=25
→ 12+1=13; +21=34; +14=48; +4=52; +18=70; +25=95 ✘
Close.
Add S? “LAUNDRYS” — not standard, but sometimes accepted. S=19 → 95+19=114 ✘
No.
Wait — “LEMONADE”
L=12, E=5, M=13, O=15, N=14, A=1, D=4, E=5
→ 12+5=17; +13=30; +15=45; +14=59; +1=60; +4=64; +5=69
Low.
Try “MONEY”
M=13, O=15, N=14, E=5, Y=25
→ 13+15=28; +14=42; +5=47; +25=72 ✘
No.
Let’s try “MUSICIAN”
M=13, U=21, S=19, I=9, C=3, I=9, A=1, N=14
→ 13+21=34; +19=53; +9=62; +3=65; +9=74; +1=75; +14=89 ✘
Close.
Add S? “MUSICIANS” — +S=19 → 89+19=108
Over.
What about “MUSICAL”
M=13, U=21, S=19, I=9, C=3, A=1, L=12
→ 13+21=34; +19=53; +9=62; +3=65; +1=66; +12=78 ✘
Low.
Try “NOTEBOOK”
N=14, O=15, T=20, E=5, B=2, O=15, O=15, K=11
→ 14+15=29; +20=49; +5=54; +2=56; +15=71; +15=86; +11=97
Very close!
Only 3 short.
Add S? “NOTEBOOKS” — +S=19 → 97+19=116 ✘
Too much.
Change last K to H? “NOTEBOOH” — not real.
Or replace K with M? “NOTEBOOM” — not real.
Not working.
Let’s try “OFFICE”
O=15, F=6, F=6, I=9, C=3, E=5
→ 15+6=21; +6=27; +9=36; +3=39; +5=44 ✘
No.
“OFFICES” — +S=19 → 44+19=63 ✘
Still low.
Try “PENCIL”
P=16, E=5, N=14, C=3, I=9, L=12
→ 16+5=21; +14=35; +3=38; +9=47; +12=59 ✘
No.
“PENCILS” — +S=19 → 59+19=78 ✘
Low.
Try “PENNY”
P=16, E=5, N=14, N=14, Y=25
→ 16+5=21; +14=35; +14=49; +25=74 ✘
No.
Let’s try “PIANO”
P=16, I=9, A=1, N=14, O=15
→ 16+9=25; +1=26; +14=40; +15=55 ✘
No.
Wait — I think I have enough now.
We have:
1. TURKEY (given)
2. MAXIMIZE
3. THIRTY
4. VACUUMS
5. ATTITUDE
Need two more.
Let’s try “RECIPE”
R=18, E=5, C=3, I=9, P=16, E=5
→ 18+5=23; +3=26; +9=35; +16=51; +5=56 ✘
No.
“RECIPES” — +S=19 → 56+19=75 ✘
Low.
Try “SCHOOL”
S=19, C=3, H=8, O=15, O=15, L=12
→ 19+3=22; +8=30; +15=45; +15=60; +12=72 ✘
No.
“SCHOOLS” — +S=19 → 72+19=91 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “SCHOOLSS” — not real.
What about “SCIENCE”
S=19, C=3, I=9, E=5, N=14, C=3, E=5
→ 19+3=22; +9=31; +5=36; +14=50; +3=53; +5=58
No.
Try “SECRET”
S=19, E=5, C=3, R=18, E=5, T=20
→ 19+5=24; +3=27; +18=45; +5=50; +20=70
Low.
“SECRETS” — +S=19 → 70+19=89 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “SECRETSS” — no.
Wait — “SERVICE”
S=19, E=5, R=18, V=22, I=9, C=3, E=5
→ 19+5=24; +18=42; +22=64; +9=73; +3=76; +5=81 ✘
Low.
“SERVICES” — +S=19 → 81+19=100 ✔✔✔
Yes! SERVICES = $100
Check:
S=19
E=5 → 24
R=18 → 42
V=22 → 64
I=9 → 73
C=3 → 76
E=5 → 81
S=19 → 100 ✔
Perfect.
---
#### Word 6: “SERVICES”
Now one more.
Try “SHIRT”
S=19, H=8, I=9, R=18, T=20
→ 19+8=27; +9=36; +18=54; +20=74 ✘
Low.
“SHIRTS” — +S=19 → 74+19=93 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “SHIRTSS” — no.
Try “SHORT”
S=19, H=8, O=15, R=18, T=20
→ 19+8=27; +15=42; +18=60; +20=80 ✘
Low.
“SHORTS” — +S=19 → 80+19=99 ✘ Almost!
Only 1 short.
If we could add 1... change S to T? “SHORTT” — not real.
Or add E? “SHORTSE” — not real.
Not working.
Try “SIGN”
S=19, I=9, G=7, N=14 → 19+9=28; +7=35; +14=49 ✘
No.
“SIGNS” — +S=19 → 49+19=68 ✘
Low.
Try “SILVER”
S=19, I=9, L=12, V=22, E=5, R=18
→ 19+9=28; +12=40; +22=62; +5=67; +18=85
Low.
“SILVERS” — +S=19 → 85+19=104 ✘
Over.
What about “SIMPLE”
S=19, I=9, M=13, P=16, L=12, E=5
→ 19+9=28; +13=41; +16=57; +12=69; +5=74 ✘
No.
Try “SING”
S=19, I=9, N=14, G=7 → 19+9=28; +14=42; +7=49
No.
Wait — “SISTER”
S=19, I=9, S=19, T=20, E=5, R=18
→ 19+9=28; +19=47; +20=67; +5=72; +18=90 ✘
Close.
Add S? “SISTERS” — +S=19 → 90+19=109 ✘
Over.
What if we remove last R? “SISTE” — not real.
Another idea: “SLIPPER”
S=19, L=12, I=9, P=16, P=16, E=5, R=18
→ 19+12=31; +9=40; +16=56; +16=72; +5=77; +18=95 ✘
Close.
Add S? “SLIPPERS” — +S=19 → 95+19=114 ✘
Too much.
Try “SMILE”
S=19, M=13, I=9, L=12, E=5 → 19+13=32; +9=41; +12=53; +5=58 ✘
No.
Let’s try “SOCCER”
S=19, O=15, C=3, C=3, E=5, R=18
→ 19+15=34; +3=37; +3=40; +5=45; +18=63
No.
“SOCCERS” — +S=19 → 63+19=82 ✘
Low.
Try “SONG”
S=19, O=15, N=14, G=7 → 19+15=34; +14=48; +7=55 ✘
No.
Wait — I recall “SPIDER”
S=19, P=16, I=9, D=4, E=5, R=18
→ 19+16=35; +9=44; +4=48; +5=53; +18=71 ✘
No.
“SPIDERS” — +S=19 → 71+19=90 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “SPIDERSS” — no.
Try “SPRING”
S=19, P=16, R=18, I=9, N=14, G=7
→ 19+16=35; +18=53; +9=62; +14=76; +7=83 ✘
Low.
“SPRINGS” — +S=19 → 83+19=102 ✘
Close.
Only 2 over.
If we could reduce by 2... change G to E? “SPRINE” — not real.
Or remove G? “SPRIN” — not real.
Not working.
Let’s try “STAMP”
S=19, T=20, A=1, M=13, P=16
→ 19+20=39; +1=40; +13=53; +16=69 ✘
No.
“STAMPS” — +S=19 → 69+19=88 ✘
Low.
Try “STAR”
S=19, T=20, A=1, R=18 → 19+20=39; +1=40; +18=58
No.
“STARS” — +S=19 → 58+19=77 ✘
Low.
Try “STEP”
S=19, T=20, E=5, P=16 → 19+20=39; +5=44; +16=60 ✘
No.
“STEPS” — +S=19 → 60+19=79 ✘
Low.
Try “STOP”
S=19, T=20, O=15, P=16 → 19+20=39; +15=54; +16=70 ✘
No.
“STOPS” — +S=19 → 70+19=89 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “STOPSS” — no.
Wait — “STORE”
S=19, T=20, O=15, R=18, E=5 → 19+20=39; +15=54; +18=72; +5=77
Step 1: Understand the Letter Values
Each letter is assigned a dollar amount based on its position in the alphabet:
- A = $1
- B = $2
- C = $3
- ...
- Z = $26
So, for example:
- T = $20 (20th letter)
- U = $21
- R = $18
- K = $11
- E = $5
- Y = $25
The example given: TURKEY
→ 20 + 21 + 18 + 11 + 5 + 25 = 100 ✔
We need to find 7 more words that also add up to $100.
---
Step 2: Strategy
We’ll look for common English words with 4–7 letters. We can try adding letter values manually or use known combinations.
Let’s start finding some:
#### Word 1: “FJORD” — too short? Let’s check:
F=6, J=10, O=15, R=18, D=4 → 6+10+15+18+4 = 53 ✘
Try longer words.
#### Try: “BICYCLE”
B=2, I=9, C=3, Y=25, C=3, L=12, E=5
→ 2+9+3+25+3+12+5 = 59 ✘
Too low.
#### Try: “QUIZ” — Q=17, U=21, I=9, Z=26 → 17+21+9+26 = 73 ✘
Still low.
#### Try: “JAZZ” — J=10, A=1, Z=26, Z=26 → 10+1+26+26 = 63
Hmm.
Let’s think of words with high-value letters like Z, X, Q, J, K, V, W.
#### Try: “WIZARD”
W=23, I=9, Z=26, A=1, R=18, D=4
→ 23+9+26+1+18+4 = 81 ✘
Closer!
Add one more letter? “WIZZARD”? Not real.
Wait — what about “MAXIMIZE”?
M=13, A=1, X=24, I=9, M=13, I=9, Z=26, E=5
→ 13+1+24+9+13+9+26+5 = let’s calculate:
13+1=14
14+24=38
38+9=47
47+13=60
60+9=69
69+26=95
95+5=100 ✔✔✔
Great! MAXIMIZE = $100
---
#### Word 2: “JUKEBOX”
J=10, U=21, K=11, E=5, B=2, O=15, X=24
→ 10+21=31; +11=42; +5=47; +2=49; +15=64; +24=88 ✘
Too low.
What if we try “JUKEBOXES”? Too long? Let’s see:
J=10, U=21, K=11, E=5, B=2, O=15, X=24, E=5, S=19
→ 10+21=31; +11=42; +5=47; +2=49; +15=64; +24=88; +5=93; +19=112 ✘
Too high.
Backtrack.
#### Try: “FLEXIBLE”
F=6, L=12, E=5, X=24, I=9, B=2, L=12, E=5
→ 6+12=18; +5=23; +24=47; +9=56; +2=58; +12=70; +5=75
Nope.
#### Try: “EXACTLY”
E=5, X=24, A=1, C=3, T=20, L=12, Y=25
→ 5+24=29; +1=30; +3=33; +20=53; +12=65; +25=90 ✘
Close!
Add something? “EXACTLYS”? Not real.
Wait — what about “EXQUISITE”?
E=5, X=24, Q=17, U=21, I=9, S=19, I=9, T=20, E=5
→ 5+24=29; +17=46; +21=67; +9=76; +19=95; +9=104 → already over at 95+9=104 ✘
Too much.
Let me try a different approach — search for known $100 words.
I recall from similar puzzles:
✔ “HARDWORK” — H=8, A=1, R=18, D=4, W=23, O=15, R=18, K=11
→ 8+1=9; +18=27; +4=31; +23=54; +15=69; +18=87; +11=98 ✘ Close!
Almost there.
What if we change it slightly? “HARDWORKER”? Too long.
Wait — “HARDWORK” is 98. What if we swap a letter?
Not easy.
Another idea: “BACKPACK”
B=2, A=1, C=3, K=11, P=16, A=1, C=3, K=11
→ 2+1=3; +3=6; +11=17; +16=33; +1=34; +3=37; +11=48 ✘ Way off.
Let’s try “SCHOLARSHIP” — probably too long.
Wait — here’s a good one: “TYPEWRITER”
T=20, Y=25, P=16, E=5, W=23, R=18, I=9, T=20, E=5, R=18
→ Let’s add step by step:
20+25=45
+16=61
+5=66
+23=89
+18=107 → already over ✘
Oops.
Try shorter: “TWENTY”
T=20, W=23, E=5, N=14, T=20, Y=25
→ 20+23=43; +5=48; +14=62; +20=82; +25=107 ✘
Too high.
How about “THIRTY”?
T=20, H=8, I=9, R=18, T=20, Y=25
→ 20+8=28; +9=37; +18=55; +20=75; +25=100 ✔✔✔
Yes! THIRTY = $100
---
#### Word 3: “FORTY”
F=6, O=15, R=18, T=20, Y=25
→ 6+15=21; +18=39; +20=59; +25=84 ✘
Too low.
“FIFTY” — F=6, I=9, F=6, T=20, Y=25 → 6+9=15; +6=21; +20=41; +25=66 ✘
No.
Try “SEVENTY”
S=19, E=5, V=22, E=5, N=14, T=20, Y=25
→ 19+5=24; +22=46; +5=51; +14=65; +20=85; +25=110 ✘
Too high.
Wait — “NINETY”
N=14, I=9, N=14, E=5, T=20, Y=25
→ 14+9=23; +14=37; +5=42; +20=62; +25=87
Still low.
Try “EIGHTY”
E=5, I=9, G=7, H=8, T=20, Y=25
→ 5+9=14; +7=21; +8=29; +20=49; +25=74 ✘
Nope.
Let’s go back to known solutions.
I remember:
✔ “BANANA” — B=2, A=1, N=14, A=1, N=14, A=1 → 2+1+14+1+14+1=33 ✘
No.
Wait — “CABBAGE”? C=3, A=1, B=2, B=2, A=1, G=7, E=5 → 3+1+2+2+1+7+5=21 ✘
Way off.
Let me try “QUARTZ”
Q=17, U=21, A=1, R=18, T=20, Z=26
→ 17+21=38; +1=39; +18=57; +20=77; +26=103 Very close!
If only we could reduce by 3... but no.
What if we remove Z and add something else? Not helpful.
Another known word: “JUMPING”
J=10, U=21, M=13, P=16, I=9, N=14, G=7
→ 10+21=31; +13=44; +16=60; +9=69; +14=83; +7=90 ✘
Still low.
Wait — “JUMPSUIT”
J=10, U=21, M=13, P=16, S=19, U=21, I=9, T=20
→ 10+21=31; +13=44; +16=60; +19=79; +21=100; +9=109 → over at 79+21=100? Wait:
After S=19: total so far 60+19=79
Then U=21 → 79+21=100
But we still have I and T left → 100+9+20=129 ✘
Too many letters.
What if we stop at “JUMPSU”? Not a word.
Let’s try “KNOCKOUT”
K=11, N=14, O=15, C=3, K=11, O=15, U=21, T=20
→ 11+14=25; +15=40; +3=43; +11=54; +15=69; +21=90; +20=110 ✘
Over.
Try “LOCKOUT”
L=12, O=15, C=3, K=11, O=15, U=21, T=20
→ 12+15=27; +3=30; +11=41; +15=56; +21=77; +20=97 ✘ Close!
Only 3 short.
Change last letter? “LOCKOUX”? Not real.
Wait — “ROCKET”
R=18, O=15, C=3, K=11, E=5, T=20
→ 18+15=33; +3=36; +11=47; +5=52; +20=72 ✘
No.
Let’s try “SKYSCRAPER” — too long? Probably over.
Wait — I found online (but since I can’t access internet, I’ll rely on memory):
Common $100 words include:
- TURKEY (given)
- MAXIMIZE
- THIRTY
- TYPEWRITER? Earlier I got 107 — maybe miscalc?
Recalculate TYPEWRITER:
T=20, Y=25, P=16, E=5, W=23, R=18, I=9, T=20, E=5, R=18
Group:
20+25 = 45
45+16 = 61
61+5 = 66
66+23 = 89
89+18 = 107 ← yes, 107. So not valid.
Wait — what about “PNEUMONIA”? Too medical.
Try “BUTTERFLY”
B=2, U=21, T=20, T=20, E=5, R=18, F=6, L=12, Y=25
→ 2+21=23; +20=43; +20=63; +5=68; +18=86; +6=92; +12=104 → over ✘
At 92+12=104 — too much.
Remove Y? “BUTTERFL” — not a word.
Another idea: “CHICKEN”
C=3, H=8, I=9, C=3, K=11, E=5, N=14
→ 3+8=11; +9=20; +3=23; +11=34; +5=39; +14=53 ✘
No.
Wait — “FISHING”
F=6, I=9, S=19, H=8, I=9, N=14, G=7
→ 6+9=15; +19=34; +8=42; +9=51; +14=65; +7=72 ✘
Still low.
Let’s try “GIRAFFE”
G=7, I=9, R=18, A=1, F=6, F=6, E=5
→ 7+9=16; +18=34; +1=35; +6=41; +6=47; +5=52
No.
Perhaps “ZEBRA”
Z=26, E=5, B=2, R=18, A=1 → 26+5=31; +2=33; +18=51; +1=52 ✘
Same.
Wait — I recall “OXIDIZE”
O=15, X=24, I=9, D=4, I=9, Z=26, E=5
→ 15+24=39; +9=48; +4=52; +9=61; +26=87; +5=92 ✘
Close.
Add something? “OXIDIZES” — S=19 → 92+19=111 ✘
Too much.
What about “OXIDIZER” — same as above plus R=18 → 92+18=110 ✘
No.
Let’s try “VACUUM”
V=22, A=1, C=3, U=21, U=21, M=13
→ 22+1=23; +3=26; +21=47; +21=68; +13=81 ✘
Low.
“VACUUMS” — +S=19 → 81+19=100 ✔✔✔
Yes! VACUUMS = $100
Check:
V=22
A=1 → 23
C=3 → 26
U=21 → 47
U=21 → 68
M=13 → 81
S=19 → 100 ✔
Perfect.
---
#### Word 4: “VACUUMS”
Now let’s find another.
Try “WITCHCRAFT”
W=23, I=9, T=20, C=3, H=8, C=3, R=18, A=1, F=6, T=20
→ 23+9=32; +20=52; +3=55; +8=63; +3=66; +18=84; +1=85; +6=91; +20=111 ✘
Too high.
Try “WITCH” — too short.
Wait — “SWITCHBLADE” — too long.
Another known one: “JACKPOT”
J=10, A=1, C=3, K=11, P=16, O=15, T=20
→ 10+1=11; +3=14; +11=25; +16=41; +15=56; +20=76 ✘
Low.
“JACKPOTS” — +S=19 → 76+19=95 ✘
Still low.
“JACKPOTTY”? Not real.
Try “BUZZWORD”
B=2, U=21, Z=26, Z=26, W=23, O=15, R=18, D=4
→ 2+21=23; +26=49; +26=75; +23=98; +15=113 → over at 98+15=113 ✘
At 98 after W — then O makes 113.
What if we remove O and D? “BUZZW” — not a word.
Wait — “BUZZ” alone is 2+21+26+26=75 ✘
No.
Let’s try “FUZZY”
F=6, U=21, Z=26, Z=26, Y=25
→ 6+21=27; +26=53; +26=79; +25=104 ✘ Close!
Only 4 over.
If we could reduce by 4... replace Y with U? “FUZZU” — not real.
Replace one Z with Y? “FUYZY” — nonsense.
Not working.
Another idea: “HYMN” — too short.
Wait — “RHYTHM”
R=18, H=8, Y=25, T=20, H=8, M=13
→ 18+8=26; +25=51; +20=71; +8=79; +13=92 ✘
Close.
Add S? “RHYTHMS” — +S=19 → 92+19=111 ✘
Too much.
What about “RHYTHMIC” — even longer.
No.
Let’s try “SYMPATHY”
S=19, Y=25, M=13, P=16, A=1, T=20, H=8, Y=25
→ 19+25=44; +13=57; +16=73; +1=74; +20=94; +8=102 → over at 94+8=102 ✘
Very close — 102.
If we remove last Y? “SYMPATH” — not a word.
Or change last Y to something cheaper? Like E=5 → 94+5=99 ✘ Still not 100.
Wait — what if we do “SYMPATHE”? Not real.
Another known word: “ATTITUDE”
A=1, T=20, T=20, I=9, T=20, U=21, D=4, E=5
→ 1+20=21; +20=41; +9=50; +20=70; +21=91; +4=95; +5=100 ✔✔✔
Yes! ATTITUDE = $100
Check:
A=1
T=20 → 21
T=20 → 41
I=9 → 50
T=20 → 70
U=21 → 91
D=4 → 95
E=5 → 100 ✔
Perfect.
---
#### Word 5: “ATTITUDE”
Now let’s find two more.
Try “BEDROOM”
B=2, E=5, D=4, R=18, O=15, O=15, M=13
→ 2+5=7; +4=11; +18=29; +15=44; +15=59; +13=72 ✘
Low.
“BEDROOMS” — +S=19 → 72+19=91 ✘
Still low.
Try “BOOKKEEPER”
B=2, O=15, O=15, K=11, K=11, E=5, E=5, P=16, E=5, R=18
→ This will be big.
Calculate:
2+15=17; +15=32; +11=43; +11=54; +5=59; +5=64; +16=80; +5=85; +18=103 ✘ Close!
Only 3 over.
If we remove last R? “BOOKKEEPE” — not real.
Or change R to O? “BOOKKEEPO” — not real.
Not helpful.
Try “COOKBOOK”
C=3, O=15, O=15, K=11, B=2, O=15, O=15, K=11
→ 3+15=18; +15=33; +11=44; +2=46; +15=61; +15=76; +11=87 ✘
Low.
“COOKBOOKS” — +S=19 → 87+19=106
Over.
Try “FOOTBALL”
F=6, O=15, O=15, T=20, B=2, A=1, L=12, L=12
→ 6+15=21; +15=36; +20=56; +2=58; +1=59; +12=71; +12=83 ✘
Low.
“FOOTBALLS” — +S=19 → 83+19=102
Close.
What if we remove one L? “FOOTBAL” — not real.
Another idea: “GOALKEEPER”
G=7, O=15, A=1, L=12, K=11, E=5, E=5, P=16, E=5, R=18
→ 7+15=22; +1=23; +12=35; +11=46; +5=51; +5=56; +16=72; +5=77; +18=95 ✘
Low.
Add S? “GOALKEEPERS” — +S=19 → 95+19=114 ✘
Too much.
Let’s try “HANDKERCHIEF” — too long.
Wait — “HEADACHE”
H=8, E=5, A=1, D=4, A=1, C=3, H=8, E=5
→ 8+5=13; +1=14; +4=18; +1=19; +3=22; +8=30; +5=35
No.
Try “HEALTHY”
H=8, E=5, A=1, L=12, T=20, H=8, Y=25
→ 8+5=13; +1=14; +12=26; +20=46; +8=54; +25=79
Low.
“HEALTHIER” — +I=9, E=5, R=18 → 79+9=88; +5=93; +18=111 ✘
Over.
Let’s try “INCOME”
I=9, N=14, C=3, O=15, M=13, E=5
→ 9+14=23; +3=26; +15=41; +13=54; +5=59 ✘
No.
Wait — I recall “KNOWLEDGE”
K=11, N=14, O=15, W=23, L=12, E=5, D=4, G=7, E=5
→ 11+14=25; +15=40; +23=63; +12=75; +5=80; +4=84; +7=91; +5=96 ✘
Close!
Add S? “KNOWLEDGES” — +S=19 → 96+19=115 ✘
Too much.
What if we remove last E? “KNOWLEDG” — not real.
Another known word: “LAUNDRY”
L=12, A=1, U=21, N=14, D=4, R=18, Y=25
→ 12+1=13; +21=34; +14=48; +4=52; +18=70; +25=95 ✘
Close.
Add S? “LAUNDRYS” — not standard, but sometimes accepted. S=19 → 95+19=114 ✘
No.
Wait — “LEMONADE”
L=12, E=5, M=13, O=15, N=14, A=1, D=4, E=5
→ 12+5=17; +13=30; +15=45; +14=59; +1=60; +4=64; +5=69
Low.
Try “MONEY”
M=13, O=15, N=14, E=5, Y=25
→ 13+15=28; +14=42; +5=47; +25=72 ✘
No.
Let’s try “MUSICIAN”
M=13, U=21, S=19, I=9, C=3, I=9, A=1, N=14
→ 13+21=34; +19=53; +9=62; +3=65; +9=74; +1=75; +14=89 ✘
Close.
Add S? “MUSICIANS” — +S=19 → 89+19=108
Over.
What about “MUSICAL”
M=13, U=21, S=19, I=9, C=3, A=1, L=12
→ 13+21=34; +19=53; +9=62; +3=65; +1=66; +12=78 ✘
Low.
Try “NOTEBOOK”
N=14, O=15, T=20, E=5, B=2, O=15, O=15, K=11
→ 14+15=29; +20=49; +5=54; +2=56; +15=71; +15=86; +11=97
Very close!
Only 3 short.
Add S? “NOTEBOOKS” — +S=19 → 97+19=116 ✘
Too much.
Change last K to H? “NOTEBOOH” — not real.
Or replace K with M? “NOTEBOOM” — not real.
Not working.
Let’s try “OFFICE”
O=15, F=6, F=6, I=9, C=3, E=5
→ 15+6=21; +6=27; +9=36; +3=39; +5=44 ✘
No.
“OFFICES” — +S=19 → 44+19=63 ✘
Still low.
Try “PENCIL”
P=16, E=5, N=14, C=3, I=9, L=12
→ 16+5=21; +14=35; +3=38; +9=47; +12=59 ✘
No.
“PENCILS” — +S=19 → 59+19=78 ✘
Low.
Try “PENNY”
P=16, E=5, N=14, N=14, Y=25
→ 16+5=21; +14=35; +14=49; +25=74 ✘
No.
Let’s try “PIANO”
P=16, I=9, A=1, N=14, O=15
→ 16+9=25; +1=26; +14=40; +15=55 ✘
No.
Wait — I think I have enough now.
We have:
1. TURKEY (given)
2. MAXIMIZE
3. THIRTY
4. VACUUMS
5. ATTITUDE
Need two more.
Let’s try “RECIPE”
R=18, E=5, C=3, I=9, P=16, E=5
→ 18+5=23; +3=26; +9=35; +16=51; +5=56 ✘
No.
“RECIPES” — +S=19 → 56+19=75 ✘
Low.
Try “SCHOOL”
S=19, C=3, H=8, O=15, O=15, L=12
→ 19+3=22; +8=30; +15=45; +15=60; +12=72 ✘
No.
“SCHOOLS” — +S=19 → 72+19=91 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “SCHOOLSS” — not real.
What about “SCIENCE”
S=19, C=3, I=9, E=5, N=14, C=3, E=5
→ 19+3=22; +9=31; +5=36; +14=50; +3=53; +5=58
No.
Try “SECRET”
S=19, E=5, C=3, R=18, E=5, T=20
→ 19+5=24; +3=27; +18=45; +5=50; +20=70
Low.
“SECRETS” — +S=19 → 70+19=89 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “SECRETSS” — no.
Wait — “SERVICE”
S=19, E=5, R=18, V=22, I=9, C=3, E=5
→ 19+5=24; +18=42; +22=64; +9=73; +3=76; +5=81 ✘
Low.
“SERVICES” — +S=19 → 81+19=100 ✔✔✔
Yes! SERVICES = $100
Check:
S=19
E=5 → 24
R=18 → 42
V=22 → 64
I=9 → 73
C=3 → 76
E=5 → 81
S=19 → 100 ✔
Perfect.
---
#### Word 6: “SERVICES”
Now one more.
Try “SHIRT”
S=19, H=8, I=9, R=18, T=20
→ 19+8=27; +9=36; +18=54; +20=74 ✘
Low.
“SHIRTS” — +S=19 → 74+19=93 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “SHIRTSS” — no.
Try “SHORT”
S=19, H=8, O=15, R=18, T=20
→ 19+8=27; +15=42; +18=60; +20=80 ✘
Low.
“SHORTS” — +S=19 → 80+19=99 ✘ Almost!
Only 1 short.
If we could add 1... change S to T? “SHORTT” — not real.
Or add E? “SHORTSE” — not real.
Not working.
Try “SIGN”
S=19, I=9, G=7, N=14 → 19+9=28; +7=35; +14=49 ✘
No.
“SIGNS” — +S=19 → 49+19=68 ✘
Low.
Try “SILVER”
S=19, I=9, L=12, V=22, E=5, R=18
→ 19+9=28; +12=40; +22=62; +5=67; +18=85
Low.
“SILVERS” — +S=19 → 85+19=104 ✘
Over.
What about “SIMPLE”
S=19, I=9, M=13, P=16, L=12, E=5
→ 19+9=28; +13=41; +16=57; +12=69; +5=74 ✘
No.
Try “SING”
S=19, I=9, N=14, G=7 → 19+9=28; +14=42; +7=49
No.
Wait — “SISTER”
S=19, I=9, S=19, T=20, E=5, R=18
→ 19+9=28; +19=47; +20=67; +5=72; +18=90 ✘
Close.
Add S? “SISTERS” — +S=19 → 90+19=109 ✘
Over.
What if we remove last R? “SISTE” — not real.
Another idea: “SLIPPER”
S=19, L=12, I=9, P=16, P=16, E=5, R=18
→ 19+12=31; +9=40; +16=56; +16=72; +5=77; +18=95 ✘
Close.
Add S? “SLIPPERS” — +S=19 → 95+19=114 ✘
Too much.
Try “SMILE”
S=19, M=13, I=9, L=12, E=5 → 19+13=32; +9=41; +12=53; +5=58 ✘
No.
Let’s try “SOCCER”
S=19, O=15, C=3, C=3, E=5, R=18
→ 19+15=34; +3=37; +3=40; +5=45; +18=63
No.
“SOCCERS” — +S=19 → 63+19=82 ✘
Low.
Try “SONG”
S=19, O=15, N=14, G=7 → 19+15=34; +14=48; +7=55 ✘
No.
Wait — I recall “SPIDER”
S=19, P=16, I=9, D=4, E=5, R=18
→ 19+16=35; +9=44; +4=48; +5=53; +18=71 ✘
No.
“SPIDERS” — +S=19 → 71+19=90 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “SPIDERSS” — no.
Try “SPRING”
S=19, P=16, R=18, I=9, N=14, G=7
→ 19+16=35; +18=53; +9=62; +14=76; +7=83 ✘
Low.
“SPRINGS” — +S=19 → 83+19=102 ✘
Close.
Only 2 over.
If we could reduce by 2... change G to E? “SPRINE” — not real.
Or remove G? “SPRIN” — not real.
Not working.
Let’s try “STAMP”
S=19, T=20, A=1, M=13, P=16
→ 19+20=39; +1=40; +13=53; +16=69 ✘
No.
“STAMPS” — +S=19 → 69+19=88 ✘
Low.
Try “STAR”
S=19, T=20, A=1, R=18 → 19+20=39; +1=40; +18=58
No.
“STARS” — +S=19 → 58+19=77 ✘
Low.
Try “STEP”
S=19, T=20, E=5, P=16 → 19+20=39; +5=44; +16=60 ✘
No.
“STEPS” — +S=19 → 60+19=79 ✘
Low.
Try “STOP”
S=19, T=20, O=15, P=16 → 19+20=39; +15=54; +16=70 ✘
No.
“STOPS” — +S=19 → 70+19=89 ✘
Close.
Add another S? “STOPSS” — no.
Wait — “STORE”
S=19, T=20, O=15, R=18, E=5 → 19+20=39; +15=54; +18=72; +5=77
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of 100 dollar words worksheet.
