We know that two-thirds of the class own a pet, and that this amounts to 8 students. We can set up the equation based on this information.
Let \( t \) be the total number of students in Ms. Garcia's class. According to the information:
\[ \frac{2}{3}t = 8 \]
To find \( t \), we can solve for it:
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Multiply both sides of the equation by 3 to eliminate the fraction: \[ 2t = 24 \]
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Now, divide both sides by 2: \[ t = 12 \]
So, the total number of students in Ms. Garcia's class is 12.
Therefore, the completed equation that models the total number of students \( t \) in Ms. Garcia's class is:
\[ t = 12 \]