3 girls share a number of apples in the ration 5:3:2. If the highest share is 40 apples, find the smallest share

Analyze the question: Three girls share apples in the ratio 5:3:2. The highest share (the 5 part) is 40 apples. We need the smallest share (the 2 part).

Concept: In a ratio, each part represents an equal "unit" of the total. Find the value of one part, then multiply it by the part you need.

Solution:

1. The highest share corresponds to 5 parts: 5 parts = 40 apples

2. Value of 1 part: 1 part = 40 ÷ 5 = 8 apples

3. The smallest share is 2 parts: 2 × 8 = 16 apples

Check: The middle share is 3 × 8 = 24. The shares are 40, 24 and 16, which are in the ratio 5:3:2 (dividing by 8 gives 5:3:2). ✓

Answer: The smallest share is 16 apples, which is option C.

Tip: For ratio questions, always find the value of one part first. Divide the known amount by its ratio number, then multiply by the ratio number of the share you want. Also note that 24 (option B) is the middle share, which is a common trap, so always check which share the question asks for.