Question

What strategy would be the best to solve this problem? Ann-Marie bought apples. She kept one-third for herself and gave the rest to 4 friends. Each friend got 2 apples. How many apples did Ann-Marie buy? A. guess, check and revise B. work backwards C. use a formula D. look for patterns

Answer 1

D. Look for patterns

Explanation:

To solve :

Assume number of apples bought = x

Fraction kept = 1/3 of x

Fraction shared = (x - x/3) = (3x - x) /3 = 2x/3

Number of people who shared (2x/3) = 4 with each getting 2

Total number shared = 4 * 2 = 8

Fraction shared = total shared

2x/3 = 8

Multiply both sides by 3

(2x/3) * 3 = 8 * 3

2x = 24

x = 12

Hence, Anne-Marie purchased 12 apples