44. How many mugs with a capacity of 8 fluid ounces are needed to hold 68 fluid ounces of water?

Answer: E

Explanation:

9 mugs are needed to hold 68 fluid ounces of water.

To determine how many 8 fluid ounce mugs are required to hold 68 fluid ounces, one must divide 68 by 8, which equals 8.5. Since it is not possible to use half a mug, one must round up to the next whole number, resulting in the need for 9 mugs.

A) 5

Choosing 5 mugs would only provide a total capacity of 40 fluid ounces (5 x 8), which is significantly less than the required 68 fluid ounces. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

B) 6

Using 6 mugs gives a capacity of 48 fluid ounces (6 x 8), which still does not meet the requirement of 68 fluid ounces. This option is also incorrect.

C) 7

With 7 mugs, the total capacity would be 56 fluid ounces (7 x 8), which remains insufficient to hold 68 fluid ounces. Thus, this choice is incorrect.

D) 8

Eight mugs would provide a total of 64 fluid ounces (8 x 8), which is still less than the necessary 68 fluid ounces. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

E) 9

Nine mugs have a total capacity of 72 fluid ounces (9 x 8), which exceeds the requirement of 68 fluid ounces and is the correct answer as it covers the needed volume.

Conclusion

The calculation indicates that 9 mugs are necessary to adequately contain 68 fluid ounces of water, as it surpasses the minimum requirement. All other options provide capacities that fall short, confirming that they are not viable solutions. Hence, option E is definitively correct.