Question: A plant biologist counts 120 leaves on a tree. If $ \frac{5}{12} $ of them are damaged, how many leaves are undamaged?
["How Many Undamaged Leaves Are on the Tree? A Clear Calculation with Real-World Application", "When studying plant health and ecosystem dynamics, plant biologists often analyze leaf counts to assess a tree's vitality and environmental stress. Recently, a researcher counted a total of 120 leaves on a particular tree and discovered that $ \frac{5}{12} $ of the leaves were damaged. This raises an important question: How many leaves remain undamaged? Understanding this calculation not only aids in field research but also enhances public awareness about plant conservation and the impact of environmental stressors.", "---", "### Step-by-Step Solution", "Step 1: Total number of leaves\nThe total leaf count is given:\n$$ \ ext{Total leaves} = 120 $$", "Step 2: Fraction of damaged leaves\nThe fraction of damaged leaves is:\n$$ \frac{5}{12} $$", "Step 3: Calculate number of damaged leaves\nMultiply total leaves by the damaged fraction:\n$$\n\ ext{Damaged leaves} = 120 \ imes \frac{5}{12} = \frac{120 \ imes 5}{12} = \frac{600}{12} = 50\n$$", "Step 4: Subtract to find undamaged leaves\nUndamaged leaves = Total leaves – Damaged leaves:\n$$\n\ ext{Undamaged leaves} = 120 - 50 = 70\n$$", "---", "### Final Answer\nThere are 70 undamaged leaves on the tree.", "---", "### Why This Calculation Matters in Plant Biology", "Accurately counting and categorizing leaf damage helps scientists monitor pollution effects, pest infestations, and climate impacts on vegetation. This method is a practical example of data collection in ecological fieldwork, showing how simple fractions translate into meaningful insights about plant health.", "Whether in classrooms, research labs, or forest conservation projects, mastering such calculations supports better decision-making for sustainability and biodiversity protection.", "---", "Keywords for SEO Optimization:\nplant biologist, leaf damage analysis, undamaged leaves calculation, plant health assessment, ecological field research, plant damage statistics, fraction calculation in biology, tree leaf count methodology", "---", "Takeaway: Counting damaged parts of plant structures like leaves is essential in plant biology — this example proves how $\frac{5}{12}$ of 120 equals 50 damaged leaves, leaving 70 intact. Understanding such problems strengthens scientific literacy and supports real-world environmental stewardship."]
