Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumProportional reasoning
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A recipe uses 2 cups of flour to make 3 servings. How many cups of flour are needed for 12 servings?
- A. 6 cups
- B. 8 cupsCorrect
- C. 18 cups
- D. 24 cups
Answer: B. 8 cups
12 servings is 4 times 3 servings, so multiply the flour by 4: 2 × 4 = 8 cups. Or set up 2/3 = x/12 and cross-multiply.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. 6 cups
- 6 comes from multiplying 2 by 3, but 3 is the servings per batch, not the scale factor. Since 12 ÷ 3 = 4, multiply the flour by 4.
- C. 18 cups
- You flipped the ratio and solved 3/2 = x/12. Flour goes on top: 2/3 = x/12 gives x = 8.
- D. 24 cups
- You multiplied the 2 cups by all 12 servings, ignoring that 2 cups already covers 3 servings. Scale by 12 ÷ 3 = 4 instead.
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