Question about Apples

Question

How can 12 people share 7 apples so that each apple is cut into equal pieces only and into no more than 4 pieces? It has to be fair, or my children will complain, and cutting more than 4 pieces is hard for me.

Answer 1

7/12 of an apple for each of the twelve

7 apples. Take 3 of the 7 and cut each into 4 equal slices

Take the other 4 and slice into 3 equal parts

You now have 12 equal slices of 1/4 apple each

and another 12 equal slices of 1/3 apple each

Give each kid one 1/4 slice & one 1/3 slice. 1/4+1/3 = 7/12

1/4 = 3/12, 1/3 = 4/12, 3/12 + 4/12 = 7/12

each of 12 kids then gets 7/12 of an apple. 7/12 x 12 = 7 apples

the 1/4 slices are easiest. Just cut the apple in half, then cut each half in half.

the 1/3 slices require a little more care, but a protractor measuring 120 degrees might help. Maybe have a paper circle with carefully drawn 120 degrees angles, as a model as you do the cuts. That divides the circle in thirds.