My question is: Mary wants 144 cupcakes for her party. Mary has already made 36 cherry cupcakes, and 48 berry cupcakes. Mary wants to make an even number of chocolate and vanilla cupcakes for the rest. How much of each should she make? Your thoughts:
Mary currently has 36 cherry + 48 berry cupcakes = 84 cupcakes. Mary needs an additional 144 cupcakes 84 = 60 cupcakes. Mary wants to split that number evenly between chocolate and vanilla, so 60 / 2 = 30 cupcakes of each flavor. The final answer: 30.