Question
The ratio of North American butterflies to South American butterflies at a butterfly park is 5:3. The ratio of South American butterflies to European butterflies is 3:2. There are 30 North American butterflies at the butterfly park.
a. How many South American butterflies are there?
b. How many European butterflies are there?
I have not done this type of a math problem before and really don't know where to begin on it or how to figure this out with ratios. Please help
a. How many South American butterflies are there?
b. How many European butterflies are there?
I have not done this type of a math problem before and really don't know where to begin on it or how to figure this out with ratios. Please help
Answers
Reiny
since SA to E is 3:2
let SA be 3x and E be 2x
given E = 30
so 2x = 30
x = 15
So we know there are 3x or 45 South American and 30 Europeans, (note 45:30 = 3:2)
also NA : SA = 5:3
let NA be 5y and SA be 3y
but we know 3y = 45
y = 15
so the number of North American butterflies
= 5y or 75.
(again, note that 75: 45 = 5 :3)
let SA be 3x and E be 2x
given E = 30
so 2x = 30
x = 15
So we know there are 3x or 45 South American and 30 Europeans, (note 45:30 = 3:2)
also NA : SA = 5:3
let NA be 5y and SA be 3y
but we know 3y = 45
y = 15
so the number of North American butterflies
= 5y or 75.
(again, note that 75: 45 = 5 :3)
Reiny
I misread the question.
Should have been North American = 30 , not European.
I also noticed that I answered the same question back in 2014 without making that error,
look at the first of the Related Questions below.
Should have been North American = 30 , not European.
I also noticed that I answered the same question back in 2014 without making that error,
look at the first of the Related Questions below.