Question

Three lakes lost water during a drought. Lake Jensen lost 1/9 of its water, Lake Parlow lost 10% of its water, and Lake Stockton lost 21/200 of its water. Which lake lost the LEAST amount of water?

(A) Lake Jensen
(B) Lake Parlow
(C) Lake Stockton
(D) All three lakes lost the same amount of water ​

Answer 1

To determine which lake lost the least amount of water, we can calculate the amount lost for each lake and compare the results:

Lake Jensen lost 1/9 of its water.

Lake Parlow lost 10% of its water, which is equivalent to 10/100 or 1/10.

Lake Stockton lost 21/200 of its water.

Let's calculate the amount lost for each lake:

Lake Jensen: (1/9) of its water

Lake Parlow: (1/10) of its water

Lake Stockton: (21/200) of its water, which simplifies to (3/20) of its water.

Now, let's compare these fractions. We want to find the smallest fraction:

1/9, 1/10, 3/20

To make these fractions easier to compare, find a common denominator:

Common denominator = 180

Now, express each fraction with a denominator of 180:

1/9 = 20/180

1/10 = 18/180

3/20 = 27/180

Now, it's clear that Lake Parlow lost the least amount of water because 18/180 (1/10) is smaller than 20/180 (1/9) and 27/180 (3/20).

So, the answer is (B) Lake Parlow.