If 3/4 of a number is 12, what is the number?

• A. 8
• B. 12
• C. 16
• D. 20

Answer: (C)

To find the number that, when multiplied by ( \frac{3}{4} ), equals 12, we can set up the equation:

[

\frac{3}{4} \times x = 12

]

To isolate ( x ), we need to eliminate the fraction. This can be achieved by multiplying both sides of the equation by the reciprocal of ( \frac{3}{4} ), which is ( \frac{4}{3} ):

[

x = 12 \times \frac{4}{3}

]

Calculating the right side involves multiplying 12 by 4, which gives us 48, and then dividing by 3:

[

x = \frac{48}{3} = 16

]

Thus, the number is 16. This shows the correct understanding of how to manipulate equations involving fractions. The other choices would not satisfy the initial equation when substituted in place of ( x ). For example, 8 multiplied by ( \frac{3}{4} ) would yield 6, 12 would yield 9, and 20 would yield 15, all of which differ from the given value of 12.