Setting the Table Have you ever been in a situation where things were not distributed equally? Have you ever not received something because the supply ran out? You can avoid situations like this by using math. You and a friend are preparing a room for a fundraiser. You are expecting 72 people, so you have rented 72 chairs. Each table needs to have the same number of chairs and be decorated with identical centerpieces. You have 48 balloons, 24 flowers, and 32 candles for the centerpieces. There is an unlimited number of tables available. 1. What is the greatest number of identical tables that can be made using all of the items? Explain. 2. How many chairs will each table have? How many of each item will be in the centerpiece for each table? Complete the chart below. Item Number per Table Chairs Balloons Flowers Candles Setting the Table 3. You find 4 extra candles. Describe how you and your friend can rearrange the tables, using all of the items, so that all of the tables are still identical, but you still have the greatest number of tables possible. 4. Next year, you and your friend want to have a larger fundraiser. You can rent more chairs, but you do not want to buy more centerpieces, instead using the 48 balloons, 24 flowers, and 36 candles you already have. Your friend is trying to figure out the maximum number of identical tables you can have for the larger fundraiser next year. Without knowing the exact number of people who will attend, tell your friend the largest number of tables you can have next year if you want identical centerpieces and do not have to use all of the items. Explain to your friend how you know that your answer is correct