Fraction Word Problem

Question

To complete a custom-designed cabinet, oak trim pieces must be but exactly 2 1/4 inches long so that they can be used as dividers in a spice rack. Find the number of pieces that can be but from a piece of oak that is 54 inchs in length.

Answer 1

Assuming no waste due to cutting:

 

54 ÷ 2 1/4                change to improper fraction

54 ÷ 9/4                   multiply by inverse

54 (4/9)                    simplify

24

 

Twenty-four pieces can be cut from the fifty-four inches.