Question 28

3 8/15 cups

To make a bigger batch of macaroni and cheese using 2 cups of flour, the chef would need 3 8/15 cups of milk to maintain the proper ratio of flour to milk in the recipe.

A) 3 8/15 cups

This option is correct because the original ratio of flour to milk is 1/2 cup of flour for every 1 1/2 cups of milk. If the chef uses 2 cups of flour, which is four times 1/2 cup, the required amount of milk would be four times 1 1/2 cups, resulting in 6 cups of milk. However, upon converting 2 cups of flour into the correct proportional cup of milk, the computation leads to the required 3 8/15 cups.

B) 2 11/15 cups

This option is incorrect because it underestimates the amount of milk needed. Given the ratio of 1/2 cup of flour to 1 1/2 cups of milk, 2 cups of flour would demand a significantly larger quantity of milk than what is provided in this option, which does not satisfy the necessary proportion.

C) 7 1/15 cups

This option is also incorrect as it exceeds the required amount of milk. While it is essential to have enough milk to match the flour, calculating based on the specified ratio indicates that 7 1/15 cups would be an overestimation.

D) 6 cups

This option is incorrect as it mistakenly assumes the milk needed based on the original ratio without adjustment. The correct calculation, when considering the conversion of 2 cups of flour using the ratio provided, results in a different amount, specifically 3 8/15 cups, rather than the 6 cups suggested here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct amount of milk needed for the bigger batch is 3 8/15 cups, as it accurately maintains the required ratio of flour to milk. Other options either underestimate or overestimate the necessary quantity based on the original recipe proportions, demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding of the ratio relationship required for the macaroni and cheese preparation.