fraction word problem

Question

Washers are placed on a leveling screw to give it support. The washers are 1/32 inch thick. How many washers are needed to fill the 5/8 inch space?

Answer 1

Hey Colin--

 

On this one, the idea is to give your fractions common denominators. Since 32 is a multiple of 8, you can use 32 for both.

 

So turn your 5/8 into 20/32. (Do you see why?)

 

So now you need a bunch of 1/32 inch washers to fill a 20/32 in space. So how many do you think you need?

 

Cheers,

 

Matt