In order to have the least amount of each, you would need to purchase 2 packages of large plates. Here is the reasoning:
You can buy the following number of large plates and small plates:
Small: 8, 16, 24, 32, ...
Large: 12, 24, 36, ...
The smallest number that can be bought so you have an equal amount is 24 of each.
To get 24 large plates, you would need 2 packages.
