How many pairs of boots did 3 cats buy if each cat bought a pair? - briefly
Each of the three cats purchased one pair of boots. Therefore, the total number of pairs of boots bought by the three cats is three.
How many pairs of boots did 3 cats buy if each cat bought a pair? - in detail
To determine the number of pairs of boots purchased by three cats, where each cat bought a pair, it is essential to understand the straightforward nature of the transaction. The problem presents a clear scenario where each cat independently purchases one pair of boots.
Firstly, consider the individual purchase. If one cat buys a pair of boots, this means one cat acquires two boots that form a pair. This is a fundamental principle in counting: one pair equals two individual boots.
Next, apply this principle to each of the three cats. Since each cat buys one pair, the calculation is simple. Multiply the number of cats by the number of pairs each cat buys:
- Cat 1 buys 1 pair of boots.
- Cat 2 buys 1 pair of boots.
- Cat 3 buys 1 pair of boots.
Summing these purchases, we find that the total number of pairs of boots bought by the three cats is three. Each cat's purchase is independent and identical, leading to a cumulative total that is the sum of their individual purchases.
In summary, the three cats collectively bought three pairs of boots. This result is derived from the basic arithmetic of addition, where each cat's contribution is counted once. The scenario does not involve any complex variables or conditions, making the solution straightforward and unambiguous.