Ratio word problem: What fraction of the original counters remain in the bag

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a word problem involving the removal of red and blue counters from a bag, specifically focusing on determining what fraction of the original counters remains after a specified number of each color has been removed. The problem involves mathematical reasoning and exploration of ratios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the problem and presents their initial equations relating the number of counters removed to the fractions of red and blue counters remaining.
  • Another participant proposes a relationship between the number of blue and red counters based on the fractions removed, suggesting a ratio of 5 blue to 12 red counters and calculating the total remaining counters.
  • A third participant provides specific values for the number of red and blue counters and the number removed, illustrating how these values satisfy the conditions of the problem.
  • A fourth participant notes the ratio of blue to red counters and suggests further exploration of this ratio with different total counts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various approaches and calculations, but there is no consensus on a single solution or method. Multiple competing views and interpretations of the problem remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on different assumptions regarding the initial quantities of red and blue counters, and the discussion includes various mathematical steps that are not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals interested in ratio problems, mathematical reasoning, or those seeking help with similar word problems may find this discussion useful.

Jessica15
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I have a word equation i cannot figure out! anyone have any ideas?

There is a large bag of red and blue counters. One red and one blue counter are removed from the bag. This process is repeated until 1/4 of the red counter and 3/5 of the blue counters have been removed. What fraction of the original counters remain in the bag?

Im stumped!
I've written that:

Red - n = 3/4 Red
blue - n = 2/5 blue
n is the number of counters removed as it the same number removed from both.

therefore n = 1/4red and n = 3/5 blue. therefore 1/4 red = 3/5 blue. if you cross multiply that you get that 5 red = 12 blue... I don't know how that helps!
 
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n = (3/5)B
----------- $\implies$ 1 = (12B)/(5R) $\implies$ B/R = 5/12 ... 5 blue, 12 red, 17 total
n = (1/4)Rif n = 3, 3 blue counters are removed = 3/5 ofthe original 5 ... 3 red counters are removed = 1/4 of the original 12

2 blue and 9 red counters remain ... 11/17 of the original counters remain
 
Hint:
r = 24, b = 10, n = 6

r: 24 - 6 = 18 : 3/4 left
b: 10 - 6 = 04 : 2/5 left
 
B/r = 5/12 = 10/24 = 15/36 = ...
 

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