Question

A recent census of visitors to a popular beach showed that there was a ratio of 6:16 surfers to swimmers. Which of the following is a possible actual number of surfers and swimmers at the beach?

Answer 1

The actual number of surfers and swimmers at the beach can vary. There are infinite possible numbers that satisfy the given ratio of 6:16.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the actual number of surfers and swimmers at the beach, we can set up a proportion using the given ratio:

Surfers : Swimmers = 6 : 16

Let's assume the actual number of surfers is 6x and the actual number of swimmers is 16x, where x is a positive constant.

So, we have:

6x : 16x = 6 : 16

Now, we can cross-multiply to solve for x:

6x * 16 = 6 * 16x

96x = 96x

Since the equation is true for all values of x, there are infinite possible actual numbers of surfers and swimmers at the beach.