Don't be afraid of the inequality signs. pretend like it is an equal sign until you get your answer. then just switch the signs
first transform feet into inches 4.5 feet = 48.5 inches; 5.5 feet = 60.5 inches;
then get the area in inches : 48.5 x 60.5 = 2934.25 inches; the area of one patch is 18 x 24 = 432 inches
so now divide the area of the desktop by the area of one patch
2934.25 / 432 = 6.7 so she needs 7 patches
Write the question down I can't see that