Final answer:
The correct calculation based on the ratio given in the question shows that 364 dentists were questioned. It seems there might be a mistake in the options provided, as the correct number does not match any of the choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a toothpaste commercial claims that 3 out of 4 dentists recommend a certain brand of toothpaste, and 273 dentists recommended this toothpaste, we need to figure out the total number of dentists questioned. To do this, we can set up a proportion where 3 out of 4 is equal to 273 out of the total number of dentists (which we can call x).
So the proportion is: 3/4 = 273/x
To solve for x, cross multiply to get: 3x = 4 * 273
Now divide both sides by 3 to find x: x = (4 * 273) / 3
Calculating this gives us: x = 364
Therefore, the total number of dentists that were questioned is 364, which is not an option listed. Possibly there is a mistake in the options, or the number of dentists who recommended the toothpaste was rounded before stating the claim.