Question

Sandy uses 5 1/2 pounds of clay to make nine small basis use a proportion to find how many pounds of clay she will use to make 27 small vases. a) 16 1/2 pounds

b) 18 pounds
c) 19 1/2 poundsd) 22 1/2 pounds

Answer 1

By setting up a proportion, we find that Sandy will need 16 1/2 pounds of clay to make 27 small vases, corresponding to option a).

Step-by-step explanation:

To find out how many pounds of clay are needed for 27 small vases, we shall setup a proportion based on the given that Sandy uses 5 1/2 pounds of clay to make 9 small vases. We write the proportion as:

\(
\frac{5.5 \text{ pounds of clay}}{9 \text{ small vases}} = \frac{x \text{ pounds of clay}}{27 \text{ small vases}}
\)

To solve for \(x\), we cross-multiply:

\(5.5 \times 27 = 9 \times x\)

\(148.5 = 9x\)

Now, divide both sides by 9 to isolate \(x\):

\(x = \frac{148.5}{9}\)

\(x = 16.5\)

Therefore, Sandy will use 16 1/2 pounds of clay to make 27 small vases, which matches option a).