Question

Chase plans to repaint some classroom bookcases. He has 1 4/7 ​ gallons of paint. All of the bookcases are the same size and each requires 1/3 ​ gallon of paint. How many bookcases will the custodian be able to repaint with that amount of paint?

Answer 1

The custodian will be able to repaint 4 6/7 bookcases with 1 4/7 gallons of paint because you have to divide the fractions 1 4/7 and 1/3. 1 4/7 divided by 1/3. You’d turn 1 4/7 into a mixed fraction, change the division sign to a multiplication sign, and flip 1/3. Now the equation is 11/7 • 3/1. Multiply 11 and 3 which equals 33 then multiply 7 and 1 which equals 7. The fraction you get should be 33/7 and then you simplify it and it becomes 4 6/7 which is the answer.