Of the 1st graders who were asked, 1/6 like math best, 2/3 like reading best, and 12 like science best. How many first graders were asked their favorite subject? THINK: Into how many equal parts should the picture be divided? Draw a picture to solve the problem.
Let's start by adding the fractions.
1/6 + 2/3 = 1/6 + 4/6 = 5/6
That means that 1/6 of the first graders like science best (6/6 - 5/6 = 1/6).
Then set up an equation with x = total first graders.
1/6 x = 12
x = 12 / 1/6 = 12 * 6
x = ?
72
24
To find the number of first graders who were asked about their favorite subject, we can start by thinking about the fractions given in the problem. The problem states that 1/6 of the first graders like math best and 2/3 like reading best. It also mentions that 12 first graders like science best.
To solve this problem, we can use a common denominator to compare the fractions. The least common multiple of 6 and 3 is 6. So, we need to divide the group of first graders into 6 equal parts.
Now, let's draw a picture to represent the problem. We can use rectangular boxes to show each equal part or group of first graders. So, draw six equal boxes.
In the first box, mark "M" to represent the first graders who like math best. In the second box, mark "R" to represent the ones who like reading best. In the remaining boxes, mark "S" to represent the ones who like science best.
Now, we know that 1/6 of the first graders like math. Since there is only one "M" box, it means that the total number of first graders must be equal to the size of one box.
Next, we are told that 2/3 of the first graders like reading best. Since there are two "R" boxes, it means that two out of the six boxes represent the total number of first graders.
Finally, we are given that exactly 12 first graders like science best. So, we know that one of the "S" boxes represents 12 first graders.
To find the total number of first graders, we can add the sizes of the "M" box, the "R" boxes, and the "S" boxes together. In this case, the sizes are 1, 2, and 1 respectively.
1 + 2 + 1 = 4
Therefore, the total number of first graders who were asked their favorite subject is 4.