Question

Seven students cut 5 3/4 inches of thread from a spool for a school project. What number represents the change in the amount of the thread on the spool?

A.) -40 1/4
B.) -35 3/4
C.) -29 3/4
D.) -26 1/4

Answer 1

`\implies \text{Required Number = }-40\tfrac{1}{4}`

Explanation:

`\text{Part of the thread which is being cut from a spool = }5\tfrac{3}{4}\\\\=(23)/(4)`

Number of students in the school project = 7

So, total part which is cut from the thread on the spool = Number of students × Part of the thread cut by one student

`\text{Total part = }7* (23)/(4)\\\\=(161)/(4)\\\\=40\tfrac{1}{4}`

But, we are asked to tell a number which represents the change in the amount of the thread on the spool.

⇒ Required Number = Inverse of the total part which is cut

`\implies \text{Required Number = }-40\tfrac{1}{4}`