To determine the total number of seventh graders who prefer bananas, we can use the information given in the table.
The table outlines the following information:
- The total number of 7th graders is 120.
- The total preference for bananas across both grades is 35 (8th graders) plus an unknown number of 7th graders who prefer bananas.
We can deduce the total number of 7th graders who prefer bananas by subtracting the known total of the other fruits from the total number of 7th graders:
- Total 7th graders: 120
- Apples (7th): 44
- Oranges (7th): unknown
- Bananas (7th): unknown
From the total of 120 7th graders, we already have the 44 who prefer apples. The total preference for oranges from the table is given as 71, but we only have the 8th graders’ count (46), meaning we need to find the 7th graders' count for oranges.
Since oranges are preferred by a total of 71 students, and we have 46 from 8th graders, we need to find how many prefer oranges from the 7th graders:
Oranges (7th graders) = 71 - 46 = 25.
Now we can summarize how many 7th graders prefer each fruit:
- Apples: 44
- Oranges: 25
- Bananas: ?
To find the number of 7th graders who prefer bananas, we now use the total of 120:
Total 7th graders = Apples + Oranges + Bananas 120 = 44 + 25 + Bananas 120 = 69 + Bananas Bananas = 120 - 69 Bananas = 51.
Thus, the total number of seventh graders who prefer bananas is 51.
So the answer is 51.