Question

word problems (show your work)

1. each bag holds 1 2/5 pounds of rice. there are 3 1/2 bags. how much rice total?
2. a ribbon is 2 1/3 feet long. if 1 1/2 ribbons are used, what is the total length?

Explanation:

Problem 1:

Step1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

Each bag: $1\frac{2}{5}=\frac{1\times5 + 2}{5}=\frac{7}{5}$ pounds
Number of bags: $3\frac{1}{2}=\frac{3\times2+1}{2}=\frac{7}{2}$ bags

Step2: Multiply to find total rice

Total rice = $\frac{7}{5}\times\frac{7}{2}=\frac{49}{10}=4\frac{9}{10}$ pounds

Problem 2:

Step1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

Ribbon length: $2\frac{1}{3}=\frac{2\times3 + 1}{3}=\frac{7}{3}$ feet
Number of ribbons: $1\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1\times2+1}{2}=\frac{3}{2}$

Step2: Multiply to find total length

Total length = $\frac{7}{3}\times\frac{3}{2}=\frac{7}{2}=3\frac{1}{2}$ feet

Answer:

$\frac{49}{10}$ pounds (or $4\frac{9}{10}$ pounds)