value of x written in improper fraction (see below)

Question

A decorator hangs a picture on a wall that is 48 inches wide.  The width of the picture is 17 1/2 inches.  The decorator hags the picture exactly in the middle of the wall.  What is the value of x, in inches on each side of the picture, written as an improper fraction.

Answer 1

The answer: (48 - 17 1/2)/2 = 15 1/4 (notice the mixed number)

Convert 15 1/4 to improper fraction: 61/4 is the answer

Answer 2

Co convert 48 into a fraction. Multiply it by ²/₂ (because ²/₂ is equal to 1):

⁴⁸/₁ * ²/₂ = ⁹⁶/₂

 

Now we do the same for the picture

¹⁷/₁ * ²/₂ = ³⁴/₂ Add the ¹/₂, and we get ³⁵/₂

Now subtract the length of the picture from the length of the wall:

⁹⁶/₂ - ³⁵/₂ = ⁶¹/₂

Now, that's the length in total. From here you need to halve it in order to get equal lengths on both sides:

⁶¹/₂ * ¹/₂ = your final answer. Remember to place your unit value.