Question

read the story.
omar and elsa are lions living at the middleton zoo. omar weighs 3 pounds for every 2 pounds elsa weighs.
pick the diagram that models the ratio in the story.
if omar weighs 420 pounds, how much does elsa weigh?
____ pounds

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the weight ratio

The ratio of Omar's weight to Elsa's weight is $\frac{\text{Omar's weight}}{\text{Elsa's weight}} = \frac{3}{2}$, so the first diagram (Omar: 3 blocks, Elsa: 2 blocks) matches this ratio.

Step2: Set up proportion for calculation

Let $E$ = Elsa's weight.
$$\frac{3}{2} = \frac{420}{E}$$

Step3: Solve for Elsa's weight

Cross-multiply to isolate $E$:
$$3E = 420 \times 2$$
$$E = \frac{420 \times 2}{3}$$
$$E = 140 \times 2 = 280$$

Answer:

1. Correct diagram: The first diagram (Omar has 3 teal blocks, Elsa has 2 purple blocks)
2. Elsa's weight: 280 pounds