To find the number of 7th graders who prefer bananas, we can use the information provided in the table and the overall totals.
From the table:
- The total number of 7th graders is 120.
- The total number of bananas preferred overall (from the totals row) is 72.
- The total number of 8th graders who prefer bananas is given as 35.
Using the total, we can find the number of 7th graders who prefer bananas:
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Calculate the total number of students who prefer bananas from the totals: \[ \text{Total who prefer bananas} = 72 \]
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Since we know how many 8th graders prefer bananas: \[ \text{Number of 8th graders who prefer bananas} = 35 \]
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We can find the number of 7th graders who prefer bananas by subtracting the number of 8th graders who prefer bananas from the total number who prefer bananas: \[ \text{Number of 7th graders who prefer bananas} = 72 - 35 = 37 \]
However, we realize that we need the table to be filled to find the specific number of 7th graders who prefer bananas. Since the table does not provide that directly, and given the context, the number we calculated is not matching with options.
Let’s identify the closest relation in the table data provided.
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We do know that the total of 120 students in 7th grade means: \[ \text{Total} = \text{Apples} + \text{Bananas} + \text{Oranges} = 120 \]
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Since 44 students (7th graders) prefer apples, the remaining students should be split between bananas and oranges.
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We know there are 71 oranges overall. Since 46 are preferred by 8th graders, that leaves the 7th graders with: \[ \text{Number of oranges preferred by 7th graders} = 71 - 46 = 25 \]
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Therefore, we have: \[ 44 \text{ (apples)} + x \text{ (bananas)} + 25 \text{ (oranges)} = 120 \]
Where \( x \) is the number of 7th graders who prefer bananas.
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Now plugging in the known values: \[ 44 + x + 25 = 120 \]
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Simplifying gives us: \[ x + 69 = 120 \] \[ x = 120 - 69 = 51 \]
So, the total number of 7th graders who prefer bananas is 51.
The correct answer is 51.