Dear Tim,

Here is how we got our answer to the Favorite Plants problem.

We know that the same number of people preferred Boston Fern and African Violet. Then, one card said that the Boston Fern was voted by 1/4 of the people, so we know that both Boston Fern and African Violet have 1/4 of the vote. Another card said that the Venue Fly Trap was voted by 1/3 of the people. When you add 1/4 for the Boston Fern, 1/4 for the African Violet, and 1/3 for the Venus Fly Trap you get 5/6. You know that 6/6-5/6=1/6, so the other flower, the Split Leaf Philodendron must have 1/6 of the votes. Another card said that 4 people voted for the Split Leaf Philodendron, so 1/6 of the people equal 4. If 1/6 of the people equal 4, then you know that 6/6 of the people equal 24 because when you multiply 1/6 times 6/1 to get 6/6. Then, you have to multiply 4/1 times 6/1 you get 24/1. This mean 24 people voted.

Sincerely,
West Middle School,
Westminster, Maryland
Jen, Gilbert, Scott, and Leah
Mrs. Airing (Teacher)

(March 2003)