Question

Rob is setting up a model train track that is 3 and 3 over 8 feet long. No telephone pole is needed at the start of the track. However, along the track, he places a telephone pole every 3 over 8 foot apart. How many telephone poles does he need?

Answer 1

The number of 3/8 foot sections that 3 3/8 feet can be divided into is found using division:

$\dfrac{\left(3\frac{3}{8}\right)}{\left(\frac{3}{8}\right)}=\left(3+\dfrac{3}{8}\right)\cdot\dfrac{8}{3}\\\\=\dfrac{3\cdot 8+3}{8}\cdot\dfrac{8}{3}=\dfrac{9\cdot 3\cdot 8}{3\cdot 8}\\\\=9$

Rob needs 9 telephone poles.