Assuming that each pack will have the same amount of pencils. It is given that there are 36 pencils in all when one has 6 packs. Find the amount in each pack by dividing (total amount of pencils)/(amount of packs) = Amount of pencils per pack:
36/6 = 6
There are 6 pencils in each pack.
Now, Elsa wants to know how much pencils are in 3 packs. Multiply the amount of packs with the amount of pencils in each pack:
Total amount of pencils = amount of packs (3) x amount of pencils per pack (6)
