The missing pieces strategy is another method to compare two fractions. To tell which number is larger, you need to see which one is missing less. For example, you have 3/4 versus 4/5. Each of these fractions needs 1 to complete the whole. You need to subtract the numerator with one to compare them. For 3/4 we have 1/4 and for 4/5 we have 1/5. You know that if you complete 4/5 you will get 4. You know that 5 is greater than four. Therefore, 4/5 is larger than 3/4.
Rise over run change in y/change in x
Let the length of maria's book be a and that of Brandon's be b.
So, by the question,
the difference in length of books is 56
i.e. a-b=56------(1)
and the length of books all together is 348
i.e. a+b=348------(2)
Adding (1) and (2);
(a-b)+(a+b)=56+348
or, a-b+a+b=404
or, 2a=404
or, a=202
substitutting the value of a in (2),
202+b=348
or, b=146
therefore, the length of Maria's book is 202
and the length of Brandon's book is 146.
