Final answer:
To calculate the number of play costumes that can be made with 'u' yards of fabric, divide the total available fabric (u yards) by the fabric requirement per costume (46 yards). Since 'u' is undefined, a precise number cannot be provided. Moreover, incorporating upcycling in costume design can minimize environmental impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks, "How many play costumes can be made with u yards of fabric if each costume requires 46 yards?" To find the answer, we need to perform division, dividing the total number of yards of fabric available by the number of yards required for one costume. We use the provided variable u to represent the total available fabric in yards. The formula to calculate the number of costumes is the Number of costumes = Total fabric (u yards) / Fabric per costume (46 yards). However, since u is not specified numerically, we can't give an exact number of costumes that can be made.
To address the impact on the environment mentioned in the added context, it's important to consider upcycling as an eco-friendly alternative in costume design. Upcycling means taking existing garments or materials and repurposing them for new costumes, reducing the need for new fabric and the associated environmental footprint. By doing so, the costume department can play a significant role in minimizing waste and promoting more sustainable practices within the theatre industry.