Question

What’s the missing factor?

Answer 1

The missing factor is 1 5/8

Step-by-step explanation:

Let us consider the missing factor has 'x'

The given expression is 4 1/2 - x = 2 7/8

To find x :

The first step is to bring all the constant terms on on side and x on the other side,

⇒ 4 1/2 - 2 7/8 = x

Now, the numbers are in improper fraction (mixed fraction). So you have to convert them into proper fraction.

To convert the improper fraction 4 1/2 into proper fraction,

Multiply the denominator 2 with 4 and the result 8 is added with the numerator 1.

⇒ 4 1/2 = 9/2.

To convert the improper fraction 2 7/8 into proper fraction,

Multiply the denominator 8 with 2 and the result 16 is added with the numerator 7.

⇒ 2 7/8 = 23/8.

Now replace them in the given expression. The expression becomes as :

⇒ (9/2) - (23/8) = x

Cross multiply 2 and 8,

⇒ (72 - 46) / 16 = x

⇒ 26 / 16 = x

⇒ 13/8 = x

The x value is 13/8. You have to convert it into mixed fraction (since the question is given in the form of mixed fraction).

To convert into mixed fraction,

Divide 13 by 8 and write them in the form of Quotient (Reminder / Divisor).

⇒ 13 ÷ 8

⇒ 1 (quotient)

⇒ 5 (remainder)

The divisor is 8.

Therefore, x = 13/8 can be written as 1 5/8.

The missing factor is 1 5/8.