Question

The ratio of white marbles to blue marbles in Olivia's bag is 2 to 5. If there are more than 50 marbles in the bag, what is the minimum number of marbles that can be in the bag?

Answer 1

Explanation:

the distributing ratio is 2:5.

that means for every 2 white marbles there must be 5 blue marbles.

so, we are taking about "groups" or multiples of 7 (2+5 = 7).

now, even 7×7 = 49 is too small.

but the next multiple of 7 (7×8 = 56) is now big enough to include at least 50 marbles.

so, in order to keep the 2:5 ratio strictly in place, the minimum number of marbles in the bag is 56.