Jasmine bought 32 kiwi fruits for $16.How many kiwi can Lisa buy if she has $4

Question

I forgot what it is but I need help on it

Answer 1

This is a typical proportional problem for Algebra. 

You can do this problem several ways, some shorter than others, however, I want you to understand, as I am sure your teacher does, WHY proportions are so important to learn. Later in life you WILL use them. So, with that said, 

You place the following equation together: 


Number of Kiwi/Dollars = Number of Kiwi/Dollars

You are given three of the values: 

32 Kiwi/16 = x/4   Please notice: You know Jasmine bought 32 Kiwi for $16.00 and know she has $4.00. You do not know how many kiwi she can purchase. Do you see this? 

Now, since this is an equation (an equal sign between two fractions) you can cross-multiply. When you do so you multiply the numerator on the left with the denominator on the right. Then cross-multiply the denominator from the left with the numerator on the right. 


You are left with the following due to cross multiplication: 

16 x = 4 (32) or 128

16x = 128  Solve for x by dividing 16 into 128 and you arrive at 8 


WHY I do this problem in this manner is because you can ALWAYS check your work. In other words, plug 8 (the value for x) into the original equation. When you do so watch what happens: 

Original equation: 32/16 = x/4 

Then: 

32/16 = x/4  or 32/16 = 8/4 

Cross multiply: Does 32 times 4 equal 16 times 8?  Yes, it indeed does. 

Answer 2

$16/32 kiwi = $0.50/1 kiwi or 50 cents per kiwi. If Lisa has $4 she can purchase 8 kiwi:

$4/$0.50 = 8