Asked by keven

Its a word problem and I have a hard time understanding word problems. Patsy has cheerleading practice on every fourth school day. She wants to be in the school play, but they have practice on every sixth school day. If both started on September 5th what would be the first date that she has to choose between cheerleading and play practice? I know that on the 23d of Sept. she will have to choose one but I don't know how to figure it out beside looking at a calendar.
Answered by Ms. Sue
Find the least common multiple of 4 and 6.

Answered by Steve
you need to find the smallest number which is a multiple of both 4 and 6. That is 12. Since we're talking school days, we only count Mon-Fri.

So, 12 days is 2 weeks + 2 days.

If she starts on Mon-Wed, then 12 school days is two calendar weeks + 2 days:
5+7+7+2 = 21

So, the 5th must be a Thu or Fri, giving us the extra 2 days for the weekend.
Answered by keven
is it not 2 the least common multiple of 4 and 6?
Answered by Steve
no, 2 is the greatest common divisor.
LCM is 12 because
4 = 2*2
6 = 2*3
The smallest multiple must contain 2*2*3 = 12
Answered by keven
oh ok thank you.
Answered by keven
oh ok thank you. So what day did you come up with Steve?
Answered by keven
I just don't understand how to find out the day she has to chose one or the other? I am so lost?
Answered by Ms. Sue
Please read again what Steve posted:

"12 days is 2 weeks + 2 days.

If she starts on Mon-Wed, then 12 school days is two calendar weeks + 2 days:
5+7+7+2 = 21

So, the 5th must be a Thu or Fri, giving us the extra 2 days for the weekend. "
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