Question

lee has 3 packs of paintbrushes. after nancy gives him 8 more paintbrushes, he has a total of 26 paintbrushes. which tape diagram best represents the situation? two tape diagrams shown, first with 8 x - like segments and a 3, second with 3 x - like segments and an 8 segment, both totaling 26

Explanation:

Step1: Define variable for 1 pack

Let $x$ = number of paintbrushes in 1 pack.

Step2: Model total paintbrushes

Lee's total = 3 packs + 8 extra = 26, so $3x + 8 = 26$.

Step3: Match to tape diagram

The second diagram has 3 sections of $x$ (for 3 packs) and 1 section of 8 (extra), summing to 26.

Answer:

The bottom tape diagram (with three $x$ sections and one 8 section, totaling 26) best represents the situation.