Final answer:
The United States, Italy, and Spain consume 8%, 30%, and 20% of the world's olive oil, respectively, adding up to the total of 58% as specified in the problem.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the problem of olive oil consumption percentages among Italy, Spain, and the United States, we can use the given information to set up a system of equations. Let's denote the percentage consumed by the US as x, the percentage consumed by Italy as 3 ¾ times x (which is 3.75x), and the percentage consumed by Spain as 2/3 of Italy's consumption (which is 2/3 × 3.75x or 2.5x). We know these three percentages add up to 58%, which gives us the equation x + 3.75x + 2.5x = 58. Solving this equation, we find that:
- The United States consumes 8% of the world's olive oil.
- Italy consumes 30% of the world's olive oil.
- Spain consumes 20% of the world's olive oil.
This adds up to the 58% of the world's olive oil consumed by these three countries, meeting the conditions of the problem.