Question

How many 1 3/5 inch thick books can fit on a 14 1/2 inch long bookshelf

Answer 1

How many 1 3/5 inch thick books can fit on a 14 1/2 inch long bookshelf

9 1/16

Answer 2

Answer:
`9 (1)/(16)` books.

Explanation:

First, let's turn both mixed numbers into fractions:

`1(3)/(5)=((1*5)+3)/(5)  =(5+3)/(5)=(8)/(5)  \\\\14(1)/(2)=((14*2)+1)/(2)=(28+1)/(2)=(29)/(2)`

Then, to find how many books can fit into the bookshelf, you simply divide the space in the bookshelf by the thickness of each book:

`((29)/(2) )/((8)/(5) )=(5*29)/(8*2) =(145)/(16)`

If you want the answer as a mixed number:

`(145)/(16) =9(1)/(16)`