In a bag containing red, green and blue pens, the ratio of red, blue and green pens, in the given order, was 7 ∶ 4 ∶ 9. If the total number of pens in the bag was 320, how many of them were red?
112
This question involves calculating the number of items (pens) belonging to a specific category (red) when the total number of items and the ratio of different categories are given. The key is to understand how ratios represent parts of a whole and how to use the total number to find the value of each part in the ratio.
We are given the ratio of red, blue, and green pens as 7 ∶ 4 ∶ 9. This means that for every 7 red pens, there are 4 blue pens and 9 green pens. These numbers represent proportional parts of the total collection of pens.
To find out how many total parts the pens are divided into according to the ratio, we sum the individual ratio parts:
\(\text{Total ratio parts} = \text{Ratio of red} + \text{Ratio of blue} + \text{Ratio of green}\)
\(\text{Total ratio parts} = 7 + 4 + 9\)
\(\text{Total ratio parts} = 20\)
So, the total collection of 320 pens is divided into 20 equal ratio parts.
We know the total number of pens is 320, and this total corresponds to 20 ratio parts. To find the number of pens that makes up one ratio part, we divide the total number of pens by the total number of ratio parts:
\(\text{Value of one ratio part} = \frac{\text{Total number of pens}}{\text{Total ratio parts}}\)
\(\text{Value of one ratio part} = \frac{320}{20}\)
\(\text{Value of one ratio part} = 16\)
This means each part in the ratio 7 ∶ 4 ∶ 9 represents 16 pens.
The ratio of red pens is given as 7. Since each ratio part is equal to 16 pens, the number of red pens is found by multiplying the red pen ratio part by the value of one ratio part:
\(\text{Number of red pens} = \text{Ratio of red} \times \text{Value of one ratio part}\)
\(\text{Number of red pens} = 7 \times 16\)
\(\text{Number of red pens} = 112\)
Therefore, there were 112 red pens in the bag.
| Pen Color | Ratio Part | Calculation (Ratio × Value of one part) | Number of Pens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | 7 | \(7 \times 16\) | 112 |
| Blue | 4 | \(4 \times 16\) | 64 |
| Green | 9 | \(9 \times 16\) | 144 |
| Total | 20 | \(112 + 64 + 144 = 320\) |
The calculated numbers for each color sum up to the total number of pens, 320, which confirms our calculation is correct.
| Concept | Explanation | Formula/Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Ratio | Compares the relative sizes of two or more values. | Given as a:b:c |
| Total Ratio Parts | Sum of all individual ratio parts. | Sum = a + b + c |
| Value of One Ratio Part | Total quantity divided by the total ratio parts. | Value = \(\frac{\text{Total Quantity}}{\text{Total Ratio Parts}}\) |
| Quantity of a Specific Item | Ratio part of the specific item multiplied by the value of one ratio part. | Quantity = Ratio part × Value of one part |
Ratios are used in many real-world situations to show how quantities are related proportionally. When dealing with ratios and a total quantity, you can always find the amount for each part by following the steps outlined above. This method is applicable whether you are mixing ingredients, sharing money, or calculating proportions of items in a collection.
Key points to remember:
Understanding ratios is fundamental for solving many types of quantitative problems.
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