Question

2.49375 c : 3.9901 h : 1.000 o
the ratio does not give whole numbers, so we have to use a multiplier.
note that c is very close to 2.5,
h is very close to 4.0, and o is 1.0.
what can we multiply each element by in order to have them all reach the smallest whole number?
multiply by ?
hint: the multiplier should be a whole number.
multiplier

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the decimal parts

We have \(C = 2.49375\approx2.5=\frac{5}{2}\), \(H = 3.9901\approx4\), \(O = 1.0\). To convert \(2.5\) (approximate value of \(C\)) to a whole number, if we consider the fraction form of the non - whole number part. Since \(2.5=\frac{5}{2}\), we need to find a multiplier \(n\) such that when we multiply \(2.5\) (approximate \(C\) value), \(4\) (\(H\) value) and \(1\) (\(O\) value) by \(n\), all results are whole numbers.

Step2: Determine the multiplier

For the number which is approximately \(2.5\) (the \(C\) value part), if we let \(n = 2\). Then \(2.5\times2=5\), \(4\times2 = 8\), \(1\times2=2\)

Answer:

\(2\)