Final answer:
To make the fewest number of cones with one scoop of ice cream on each cone and no ice cream or cones left over, we should purchase 4 containers of ice cream and 3 packages of ice cream cones. With these, we will be able to make a total of 36 ice cream cones.
Step-by-step explanation:
To make the fewest number of cones with one scoop of ice cream on each cone and no ice cream or cones left over, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of 9 (number of scoops per container) and 12 (number of cones per package). The LCM of 9 and 12 is 36.
Therefore, we should purchase 4 containers of ice cream (since 4 * 9 = 36) and 3 packages of ice cream cones (since 3 * 12 = 36).
With 4 containers of ice cream and 3 packages of ice cream cones, we will be able to make a total of 36 ice cream cones.