A bow is made from #2 2/3# yards of ribbon. Which expression gives the number of bows that can be made from #22 5/8# yards?

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Answer 1 · 2016-12-28T14:17:21

#22 5/8 div 2 2/3# will tell us the number of bows.

In word problems like this, you need to decide on which operation(s) to do.
If you find the fractions confusing, think of an easier example first.

How many packets of biscuits with 5 in each can be made up from 60 biscuits?. This is clearly #60 div 5 = 12# packets.

In this case #22 5/8 div 2 2/3# will tell us the number of bows.

To find the actual answer...

#181/8 div 8/3" "# change to improper fractions

#=181/8 xx 3/8" "#multiply by the reciprocal. Nothing cancels.

#=543/64" "# change into a mixed number

# = 8 31/64#

We will be able to make #8# full bows, but there is not enough to make a 9th one, so there will be some ribbon left.