He needs 1 can of frosting per layer cake and he needs to make 3 layer cakes so that's 1*3 = <<1*3=3>>3 cans of frosting

There are 6 dozen cupcakes,12 single cakes and 18 pans of brownies for a total of 6+12+18 = <<6+12+18=36>>36 orders

Each of the 36 orders needs 1/2 can of frosting so they need 36*.5 = <<36*.5=18>>18 cans of frosting

He needs 3 cans of frosting for the layer cakes and 18 cans for the remaining items for a total of 3+18 = <<3+18=21>>21 cans of frosting

# Answer

21
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Paul uses 1 can of frosting to frost a layer cake.  He uses a half can of frosting for a single cake, or a single pan of brownies, or a dozen cupcakes.  For Saturday, he needs to have 3 layer cakes, 6 dozen cupcakes, 12 single cakes and 18 pans of brownies ready and frosted for customer pick up.  How many cans of frosting will he need?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
21
Paul uses 1 can of frosting to frost a layer cake.  He uses a half can of frosting for a single cake, or a single pan of brownies, or a dozen cupcakes.  For Saturday, he needs to have 3 layer cakes, 6 dozen cupcakes, 12 single cakes and 18 pans of brownies ready and frosted for customer pick up.  How many cans of frosting will he need?
train