First, we need to convert 3 1/2 into an improper so we can multiply the two fractions.
3 1/2
3*2=6
6+1=7
3 1/2 as an improper fraction would be 7/2
Now we multiply the fractions.
7/2*2/3
7*2=14
2*3=6
14/6
Now we can convert the improper fraction back into a proper fraction.
How many times does 6 fit into 14? 2 with a remainder of 2
The Fraction would be: 2 2/6 or reduced to 2 1/3
She used 2 1/3 yards of fabric.
The question asks for how much she has left so, we must subtract 2 1/3 from 3 1/2
However, we must have a common denominator to subtract.
To find this, we can list the multiples of both of the denominators:
2: 2,4,6,8,10
3: 3,6,9,12,15
The LCM (Lowest Common Denominator) is 6.
2*3=6
3*2=6
We must do the same for the numerator as what is done for one-half has to be done for the other.
1*3=3
1*2=2
The New fractions would be:
3 3/6
and
2 2/6
Now we can subtract ;
3-2=1
3-2=1
We don't subtract the denominator
The answer is 1 1/6.
Erica would have 1 1/6 of the curtain left.
Hope this Helps!
-Benjamin :)
