Question

Martin has 2 5/8 pounds of ground beef. He wants to divide the beef into equal sized portions to put into his freezer. The portions must be less than one pound each. How many equal sized portions can Martin make?

Answer 1

a) 7 equal sized pieces of 3/8 pounds

7* 3/8 = 21/8

b) 3 equal sized pieces of 7/8 pounds

3* 7/8 = 21/8

Explanation:

Martin has 2 5/8 pounds of ground beef.

2 5/8 = 21/8 pounds = 2.625 pounds

Because 21 is divisible by 3 and 7, we can arrange the ground beef in two configurations

a) 7 equal sized pieces of 3/8 pounds

7* 3/8 = 21/8

b) 3 equal sized pieces of 7/8 pounds

3* 7/8 = 21/8