Question

Kristy wanted to divide her paint evenly into two-3 1/2-gallon containers. She had 5 1/4 gallons of paint. How much paint did she pour into each container? (HELP NEEDED)

Answer 1

`2(5)/(8)\ gal`

Explanation:

step 1

Convert mixed number to an improper fraction

so

`5(1)/(4)\ gal=(5*4+1)/(4)=(21)/(4)\ gal`

step 2

Divide the total gallons of paint by two

`((21/4))/(2)=(21)/(8)\ gal`

step 3

Convert improper fraction to mixed number

`(21)/(8)\ gal=(16)/(8)+(5)/(8)=2+(5)/(8)=2(5)/(8)\ gal`