Question

Jane is making a suit which requires 2 5⁄8 yards for the jacket and 1 3⁄4 yards for the skirt. What's the total amount of material she needs? 
       A. 4 3⁄8 yards   B. 3 2⁄3 yards   C. 4 yards   D. 3 1⁄2 yards

Answer 1

To find the total amount of material Jane needs, we need to add the individual amounts. Add 2 5/8 and 1 3/4.

2 5/8 + 1 3/4

Convert these mixed numbers to improper fractions before adding. To do so, multiply the denominator by the whole number, and add the numerator. The number that results becomes the new numerator. The denominator remains the same.

2 5/8 --> 8 × 2 + 5 = 21 --> 21/8

1 3/4 --> 4 × 1 + 3 = 7 --> 7/4

We now have:

21/8 + 7/4

To add these, we must get common denominators. Multiply 7/4 by 2/2 to get a common denominator of 8.

7/4 × 2/2 = 14/8

Solve.

21/8 + 14/8 = 35/8

To convert this improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator; this becomes the whole number. The remainder goes above the denominator, and that's the new fraction.

35/8 = 4 with a remainder of 3; this goes over the denominator (8).

Answer:

A. 4 3⁄8 yards