Question

Diana is buying plates and cups for a party. She wants the same number of each. Plates are sold in packs of eight and cups are sold in packs of 12. What is the least number of plates and cups she can buy? How many packs of plates? How many packs of cups? Explain how you know.

Answer 1

What is the least number of plates and cups she can buy?

The least number of cups of plates and cups she can buy is 24

How many packs of plates?

3 packs of plates

How many packs of cups?

2 packs of cups

Explanation:

What is the least number of plates and cups she can buy?

We solve this using the Lowest Common Multiple method

The L.C.M of 8 and 12

Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40

Multiples of 12: 12, 24, 36, 48

Therefore,

LCM(8, 12) = 24

Hence, the least number of cups and plates she can buy is 24

How many packs of plates?

Plates are sold in packs of eight

Hence: 24 ÷ 8 = 3 packs of plates

How many packs of cups?

Cups are sold in packs of 12

Hence: 24 ÷ 12 = 2 packs of cups