These are proportions and can be solved by cross multiplying and solving for the variable.
8/a = 21/42 cross multiply (21)(a) = (8)(42) 21a = 336...divide both sides by 21 a = 336/21 a = 16 also, u will notice that : 8/16 is equivalent to 21/42...because proportions are nothing but equivalent fractions.
105/168 = r/8 cross multiply (168)(r) = (105)(8) 168r = 840...divide both sides by 168 r = 840/168 r = 5
3 people wearing both are also counted in the 6 with socks and 4 with shoes so you can't count them twice. What you do in stead is list : <span>3 wearing both </span> <span>4 - 3 = 1 wearing just shoes </span> <span>6 - 3 = 3 wearing just socks </span> <span>total 7 so far so that leaves 5 others that must be barefoot.</span>