16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumScaling a recipe

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A recipe that serves 2 people uses 7 tablespoons of oil. How many tablespoons of oil are needed to serve 6 people?

Answer: 21

6 people is 3 times 2 people, so use 3 × 7 = 21 tablespoons.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 11
11 adds 4 (the extra people) to 7; the amount scales, it doesn't add.
If you answered 14
14 doubles the oil, but the servings triple.
If you answered 42
42 multiplies by 6 instead of by the ratio 6/2 = 3.

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