Gifty, Justina, and Frank shared 60 oranges in the ratio 5: 3: 7 respectively. How many oranges did Justina receive?

Analyze the question: 60 oranges are shared among Gifty, Justina and Frank in the ratio 5 : 3 : 7. We need Justina's share, which corresponds to the "3" part.

Concept: To share a quantity in a ratio, add the ratio parts to get the total number of parts. Then each person's share is (their part ÷ total parts) × the total quantity.

Solution:

1. Total parts = 5 + 3 + 7 = 15
2. Justina's part = 3
3. Justina's share = (3/15) × 60 = (1/5) × 60 = 12

Check:

• Gifty: (5/15) × 60 = 20
• Justina: (3/15) × 60 = 12
• Frank: (7/15) × 60 = 28
• Total: 20 + 12 + 28 = 60 ✓

Justina received 12 oranges, which is option B.

Tip: Always add up the ratio parts first. Then find the value of one part (60 ÷ 15 = 4) and multiply by each person's ratio number. Justina: 3 × 4 = 12. The check that all shares add up to the total quickly catches mistakes. Options A, C and D are distractors (C and D are Gifty's and Frank's shares).