Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers

Question

A farmer needs to enclose two adjacent rectangular pastures. How much fencing does the farmer need? Write your answer as a mixed number.

 

 

50 5/8 yd         30 2/9 yd

 

The farmer needs _____ yards of fencing.

Answer 1

Amount of fencing to enclose the 

entire rectangular  plot would be

the sum of the side lengths:

 

    50 5/8 + 30 2/9 + 50 5/8 + 30 2/9

 

= 100 10/8 + 60 4/9

 

common denominator is (8)(9) = 72

 

= 100 90/72 + 60 32/72

 

= 162 and 122/72 yds.

 

=163 50/72

 

Reducing the fraction

 

= 163 and (25/36)