Final answer:
To determine the longest and shortest straws, compare the fractions representing the visible portion of each straw. Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators and convert the fractions to have a common denominator. The longest straw will have the largest numerator, and the shortest straw will have the smallest numerator. To put all the straws in order of size, compare the fractions based on their numerators.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the longest and shortest straws, we need to compare the fractions that represent the amount of each straw that can be seen. John says that 3/5 of straws A and D are visible, 5/8 of straws B and E are visible, and 5/6 of straw C is visible. To compare these fractions, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of their denominators. The LCM of 5, 8, and 6 is 40. We then convert the fractions to have a common denominator of 40: 3/5 becomes 24/40, 5/8 becomes 25/40, and 5/6 becomes 33/40.
To find the longest straw, we look for the fraction with the largest numerator. In this case, straws B and E have the largest numerators of 25. Therefore, either straw B or E is the longest straw.
To find the shortest straw, we look for the fraction with the smallest numerator. In this case, straw A and D have the smallest numerators of 24. Therefore, either straw A or D is the shortest straw.
To put all the straws in order of size, we compare the fractions based on their numerators. From smallest to largest, the order would be: A/D, C, B/E.