Final answer:
To solve this problem, divide the total fabric length by the length of each piece, then subtract the remaining fabric from the total length to find the amount used in the pieces. Finally, divide the amount used in the pieces by the length of each piece to find the number of pieces made.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this problem, we need to divide the given total fabric length, 16 yards, by the length of each piece, 3 yards. Then we subtract the remaining fabric, 23 yards, from the total length to find the amount used in the pieces. Dividing these two values will give us the number of 3-yard pieces Marianna made.
Step 1: Divide 16 yards by 3 yards to find the number of 3-yard pieces.
16 yards ÷ 3 yards = 5.33 (approximately)
Step 2: Subtract 23 yards from the total to find the amount used in the pieces.
16 yards - 23 yards = -7 yards (negative because more fabric was used than available)
Step 3: Divide the amount used in the pieces by 3 yards to find the number of 3-yard pieces.
-7 yards ÷ 3 yards = -2.33 (approximately)
Since we can't have a negative number or a fraction of a piece, we conclude that Marianna didn't make any complete 3-yard pieces.