The largest number of backpacks they can pack is the highest common factor of the number of pencils, note pads and granola bars divided among the backpacks.
Number of pencils = 144;
Number of note pads = 90;
Number of granola bars = 36.
Factors of 144 are;
[tex]1,2,3,4,6,8,12,18,24,36,48,72,144[/tex]
Factors of 90 are;
[tex]1,2,3,5,6,9,10,15,18,30,45,90[/tex]
Factors of 36 are;
[tex]1,2,3,4,6,9,12,18,36[/tex]
The highest common factor is;
[tex]18[/tex]
Thus, the largest number of backpacks they can pack is 18.
