Final answer:
To determine the fraction of cookies you need to bake from the total number of cookies needed, subtract the fractions of cookies baked by others. The fraction you need to bake is 33/1 or 33 out of the total 51 cookies.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the fraction of cookies you need to bake, you need to subtract the fractions of cookies baked by your friends and sister from the total number of cookies needed.
First, convert the total number of cookies needed to a fraction: 8 1/2 dozen = 8 1/2 * 12/1 = 102/2 = 51/1.
Next, calculate the fraction of cookies baked by your friends: 1/4 of 51/1 = 51/4.
Then, calculate the fraction of cookies baked by your sister: 1/8 of 51/1 = 51/8.
Finally, subtract the fractions of cookies baked by your friends and sister from the total: 51/1 - 51/4 - 51/8 = 51/1 - 12/1 - 6/1 = 51/1 - 18/1 = 33/1.
Therefore, you need to bake 33/1 or 33 out of the total 51 cookies.