Question

A kitchen floor was covered in green and white tiles. 1/3 of the tiles were green. What fraction of the tiles were white?

1) 1/2
2) 2/3
3) 1/4
4) 3/4

Answer 1

1) 2/3 of the tiles were white on the kitchen floor.

2) University deans often earn more than the university president.

Step-by-step explanation:

1) To determine the fraction of white tiles, subtract the fraction of green tiles (1/3) from the whole (1). Thus, 1 - 1/3 = 3/3 - 1/3 = 2/3, which represents the fraction of white tiles. Therefore, 2/3 of the tiles were white in the kitchen floor.

2) Regarding university deans, they often make more than the university president.

In the scenario with the tiles, given that 1/3 of the tiles were green, we can reason that the complementary portion to the green tiles is white. Using the fact that the entire floor is represented by 1 (or 3/3), if 1/3 is green, then the remaining portion must be the complement to that, which is 3/3 - 1/3 = 2/3. Hence, 2/3 of the tiles were white.

When considering university deans compared to presidents, it's commonly observed that deans often earn higher salaries than university presidents. This discrepancy in compensation can stem from various factors, such as the specific institution, the dean's qualifications, achievements, responsibilities, and the economic context of the university. Therefore, in many instances, deans do earn more than the university president, contrary to the assumption that they receive equivalent pay.

Answer 2

Subtracting the fraction representing the green tiles (1/3) from the whole (which is considered as 1), we find that 2/3 of the tiles must be white.

Step-by-step explanation:

If 1/3 of the tiles on a kitchen floor are green, then the remaining tiles must be white since only two colors are involved. Thus, if we consider the whole set of tiles as 1, and subtract the green tile fraction from it (which is 1/3), we can find the fraction of white tiles. We perform the subtraction like this: 1 - 1/3 = 3/3 - 1/3 = 2/3. Therefore, 2/3 of the tiles are white.

Understanding fractions can often be easier by using familiar scenarios and comparisons, such as the ones provided in the reference examples. Such as, knowing that one half of one half is one quarter. Similarly, knowing that the whole is three thirds, so if you take away one third, you are left with two thirds.

Considering these principles, the fraction of the floor covered by white tiles can be intuitively understood as the remaining portion of the whole when the green tiles fraction is removed.