Let's look at a simplified view of the s'mores example. Suppose your friend is allergic to chocolate so her s'mores will only have graham crackers and marshmallows. She starts out with six graham crackers and four marshmallows.
How
many marshmallows would be needed if all six of the graham crackers were
used?
| 3 | 6 | 9 |
 |
|
|
The six graham crackers would require three marshmallows to make three s'mores.
Since she has four marshmallows (a greater supply than what is needed), the graham crackers will limit the number of s'mores she can make.
Alternatively, you could look at the number of graham crackers that would be needed.
How
many graham crackers would be needed if all four of the marshmallows
were used?
| 4 | 8 | 12 |
|
|
|
The four marshmallows would require eight graham crackers to make four s'mores.
Since there are only six graham crackers (a supply less than what is needed), the graham crackers will limit the number of s'mores she can make.
You can see that the conclusion reached was the same regardless of the ingredient (or reactant) choosen.
