Cracking the Soda Ratio: Finding Regular Sodas in a 24-Pack

An ice chest contains 24 sodas, some regular and some diet. If the ratio of diet soda to regular soda is 1:3, how many regular sodas are there?

• A. 1
• B. 3
• C. 18
• D. 24

Answer: (C)

In this scenario, we are given a total of 24 sodas, comprised of both regular and diet types, with a specific ratio of diet to regular sodas set at 1:3. This means that for every 1 diet soda, there are 3 regular sodas. To find the total number of parts represented by this ratio, we can add the ratio values together: 1 (for diet) + 3 (for regular) equals 4 parts in total. Since we know there are 24 sodas total, we can determine how many sodas represent one part by dividing the total amount by the total number of parts: 24 sodas ÷ 4 parts = 6 sodas per part. Next, we calculate the number of regular sodas by taking the number of parts allocated to regular soda, which is 3, and multiplying by the number of sodas per part: 3 parts (for regular) × 6 sodas per part = 18 regular sodas. Therefore, the calculation confirms that there are 18 regular sodas in the ice chest, making this the correct answer.

Let’s break this down in a way that’s not only straightforward, but just a tad fun! Imagine you’ve got a cooler packed with 24 sodas. Some are the bubbly, classic regular kind, and some are on a diet—diet sodas, that is. Here’s the kicker: the ratio of diet to regular sodas is 1:3. This means, for every single diet soda, there are three regular ones in the mix.

So, how do we crack this code? First, it’s all about understanding what that ratio means. You can think of the diet sodas like a lone wolf, while the regular sodas form a pack! Ready for some playful math? Let's add the parts together: 1 (diet) + 3 (regular) gives us 4 parts total.

Now, here’s the fun part. If we take the total number of sodas, which is 24, and divide it by the 4 parts, we find out how many sodas each part represents. Drumroll, please!

24 sodas ÷ 4 parts = 6 sodas per part.

Easy enough, right? Now, remember, regular sodas have the lion's share with 3 parts, so it’s a simple multiplication to find the number of regular sodas: 3 parts (for regular) × 6 sodas per part gives us—yup, that’s right—18 regular sodas!

So next time someone asks you about ratios—whether it’s sodas at a picnic or something a bit more serious—you can handle the math with ease. It’s like mastering a secret recipe; the more you do it, the better you get! And who doesn’t want a little more soda in their equation? Keep practicing, and those numbers will start dancing off the page!