To predict the number of cheese slices sold from the total of 1,299 slices, we first need to determine the total number of pizza preferences from the table:
- Cheese: 9
- Pepperoni: 5
- Sausage: 6
- Veggie: 7
Total preferences = 9 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 27
Next, we need to find the proportion of cheese pizza preferences:
\[ \text{Proportion of Cheese} = \frac{9}{27} = \frac{1}{3} \]
Now, to find the predicted number of cheese slices sold out of the total 1,299 slices, we can multiply the proportion of cheese pizza by the total slices:
\[ \text{Cheese slices sold} = \frac{1}{3} \times 1299 \]
Calculating that gives:
\[ \text{Cheese slices sold} = 433 \]
Thus, the predicted number of cheese slices sold is 433 patrons.