Final answer:
To find the number of pufferfish in the aquarium, we analyze the given ratios. Using cross-multiplication, we find that there are 15 turtles and 40 pufferfish in the aquarium.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the number of pufferfish in the aquarium, we need to analyze the given ratios. The ratio of sea lions to turtles is 2:5 and the ratio of turtles to pufferfish is 3:8.
Step 1: Since we are given that there are 6 sea lions in the aquarium, we can set up the ratio:
2/5 = 6/x, where x represents the number of turtles. Cross-multiplying, we get 5 * 6 = 2x, which simplifies to 30 = 2x. Dividing both sides by 2, we find that x = 15. Therefore, there are 15 turtles in the aquarium.
Step 2: Now that we know there are 15 turtles, we can find the number of pufferfish:
3/8 = 15/y, where y represents the number of pufferfish. Cross-multiplying, we get 8 * 15 = 3y, which simplifies to 120 = 3y. Dividing both sides by 3, we find that y = 40. Therefore, there are 40 pufferfish in the aquarium.