4. Three fourths of the bats were in the belfry. If 42 bats were in the belfry, how many bats were there in all?

If three fourths of the bats were in the belfry, and that number equals 42, we can find the total number of bats by setting up a simple equation. Since \( \frac{3}{4} \) of the total number \( x \) equals 42, we can express this as \( \frac{3}{4}x = 42 \). To find \( x \), multiply both sides by \( \frac{4}{3} \), giving us \( x = 42 \times \frac{4}{3} \), which equals 56. So, there were 56 bats in total! Now, you might wonder how you can get the bigger picture when it comes to dividing things into fractions. It helps to visualize it! Imagine a pizza divided into four slices; if three slices are eaten, that represents three fourths. This way, when you see fractions in daily life, like sharing a treat or dividing up tasks, the concept becomes clearer and more relatable. Just think of math as a recipe; sometimes you have to adjust the quantities to get the right flavor!