The Mendoza family is shopping for a new laptop computer. They will make their decision based on size and brand. The family made a table to show the possible outcomes for the different choices. There are 12 possible outcomes. Which is a possible number of sizes and brands from which the family could choose?

Question

6 sizes and 6 brands
4 sizes and 3 brands
2 sizes and 12 brands
4 sizes and 8 brands

Answer 1

To determine which option produces 12 possible outcomes for the laptop choices, we can use the formula for calculating the total number of outcomes based on the number of sizes and brands, which is:

\[ \text{Total Outcomes} = (\text{Number of Sizes}) \times (\text{Number of Brands}) \]

We will evaluate each provided option:

1. 6 sizes and 6 brands: \[ 6 \times 6 = 36 \text{ outcomes} \]

2. 4 sizes and 3 brands: \[ 4 \times 3 = 12 \text{ outcomes} \]

3. 2 sizes and 12 brands: \[ 2 \times 12 = 24 \text{ outcomes} \]

4. 4 sizes and 8 brands: \[ 4 \times 8 = 32 \text{ outcomes} \]

Among the options evaluated, the combination of 4 sizes and 3 brands gives us exactly 12 possible outcomes.

Therefore, the answer is 4 sizes and 3 brands.