word problem multiplication/or division with mix number

Question

A construction company needs to remove 3 1/6 tons of dirt from a construction site. They can remove 5/8 tons of dirt each hour. What is the total number of hours it will take to remove the dirt?

 

Write your answer as a mixed number in simplest form.

 

Answer 1

3 1/6 ÷ 5/8

19/6 ÷ 5/8         change to improper fraction

19/6 · 8/5          multiply by reciprocal

19/3 · 4/5          reduce

76/15                multiply

5 1/15               convert to mixed number

 

Five and one-fifteenth hours are needed to remove the dirt.