Question

Starting with a full container, milk is poured three times. First, 1/2 of the milk is poured out, then 1/3 of what remains, and, finally, 1/4 of the remaining milk. After the third pouring, what fraction of the full container of milk remains

Answer 1

1/4 of the full container remains

Explanation:

Step 1: Half the milk is poured out

i.e 1/2 of the milk remains

Step 2: 1/3 of what remains is poured out --> 2/3 of the remaining is not poured out.

Hence amount remaining after step 2 = 2/3 x 1/2 = 1/3 of the total

Step 3: 1/4 of what remains is poured out --> 3/4 of the remaining is not poured out.

Hence amount remaining after step 3 = 3/4 x 1/3 = 1/4 of the full container remains