1. **State the problem:** We are given ratios of animals in a zoo and need to solve two problems: (a) Write the number of antelope as a percentage of the number of zebra. (b) Given there are 15 more meerkats than antelope, find the number of zebra. 2. **Analyze the ratios:** - Antelope : Zebra = 3 : 2 - Meerkats : Zebra = 7 : 3 Let's use a common variable to represent the number of zebra, say $z$. 3. **Express the quantities in terms of $z$:** From the antelope to zebra ratio: $$\frac{\text{antelope}}{z} = \frac{3}{2} \Rightarrow \text{antelope} = \frac{3}{2}z$$ From the meerkats to zebra ratio: $$\frac{\text{meerkats}}{z} = \frac{7}{3} \Rightarrow \text{meerkats} = \frac{7}{3}z$$ 4. **(a) Find antelope as a percentage of zebra:** The percentage is given by: $$\frac{\text{antelope}}{z} \times 100 = \frac{3}{2} \times 100 = 150\%$$ **Answer for (a):** 150% 5. **(b) Use the condition meerkats are 15 more than antelope:** $$\text{meerkats} - \text{antelope} = 15$$ Substitute the expressions: $$\frac{7}{3}z - \frac{3}{2}z = 15$$ 6. **Solve for $z$:** Find a common denominator for the left side fractions, which is 6: $$\frac{14}{6}z - \frac{9}{6}z = 15$$ $$\frac{5}{6}z = 15$$ Multiply both sides by 6: $$5z = 90$$ Divide both sides by 5: $$z = 18$$ **Answer for (b):** Number of zebra = 18 Final answers: (a) 150% (b) 18