Question

An aquarium tank is 1/6 full of water. When2 gallons of water are added, the tank becomes 1/2 full. What is the total capacity of the aquarium tank, in gallons?

Answer 1

For simplicity, let's use common denominators.

1/2 = 3/6

So, let's first figure out the fractional value of the water added. We can accomplish this by taking the resulting amount and subtracting the initial amount of water.

3/6 - 1/6 = 2/6

2 gallons = 2/6 of the tank

Next, let's figure out how many gallons will fill 1/6 of the tank.

2 gallons = 2/6 of the tank

1 gallon = 1/6 of the tank

Now that we know how many gallons 1/6 of the tank is, we can figure out how many gallons 6/6 of the tank is.

1 gallon = 1/6 of the tank

6 gallons = 6/6 of the tank

Answer: The total capacity of the aquarium tank is 6 gallons.

Hope this helps!