Question

Rob is setting up a model train track that is 3 and 3 over 8 feet long. No telephone pole is needed at the start of the track. However, along the track, he places a telephone pole every 3 over 8 foot apart. How many telephone poles does he need?

Answer 1

The number of 3/8 foot sections that 3 3/8 feet can be divided into is found using division:

`(\left(3(3)/(8)\right))/(\left((3)/(8)\right))=\left(3+(3)/(8)\right)\cdot(8)/(3)\\\\=(3\cdot 8+3)/(8)\cdot(8)/(3)=(9\cdot 3\cdot 8)/(3\cdot 8)\\\\=9`

Rob needs 9 telephone poles.