Question

The local library has a children’s section with picture books and chapter books. The ratio is 2:3. If there are a total of 500 books in the children’s section, then how many chapter books are in the section?

Answer 1

300, I think.

Answer 2

there are 300 chapter books in the children's section

Explanation:

the way you'd solve these kinds of problems is to turn it into an equation.

the ratio of 2:3 with a total of 500

becomes

2x + 3x = 500

2x + 3x = 500

combine like terms

5x = 500

divide both sides of the equation by 5

5x/5 = 500/5

x = 100

now, substitute x in the original equation.

2x + 3x = 500

200 + 300 = 500

There are 300 chapter books