A dozen children equally share seven apples.How can the apples be cut?

Question

A dozen children equally share seven apples. None of the apples are cooked. No apple is cut into more than four pieces. How can the apples be cut?

Answer 1

This problem gives a good opportunity to learn about problem-solving as well as learn about fractions.

Let’s identify the requirements:
- seven apples; some must be cut, but the cuts might not be the same
- twelve equal shares consume all the apples; that is, each child gets 7/12 apple
- no apple is cut into more than 4 pieces, not necessarily equal (but they must add up to 1)

Now, we need to find the fractions that add to 7/12.
   You may start with 6/12 (that is, 1/2) and 1/12, leaving 5/12 (which may be cut once) for another apple.
. . .
   Then you will get to 3/12 (that is, 1/4) and 4/12 (that is, 1/3).

So, cut 4 apples into thirds and cut 3 apples into fourths (maximum number of pieces); this means that each person gets two pieces: 1/4 + 1/3 = 3/12 + 4/12 = 7/12