16 pieces may be cut. This is because we need to divide 36 by 2 and 1/4 to find how many pieces hat can be cut. First, we need to change everything into a fraction (or improper fraction). 2 and 1/4 = 9/4 (if you need help trying to find out how to get this, just ask). Then, since we are doing division, we flip the 9/4 around to get 4/9. 36 times (it's not dividing anymore since we flipped the 9/4) 4/9 = 16 pieces. I hope this helps! :D