Final answer:
Mr. Andersen can make 42 masks with 10 1/2 yards of fabric, given that he needs 1/4 yard of fabric for each mask.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many masks Mr. Andersen could make, we need to divide the total amount of fabric he has by the amount of fabric needed for one mask. Mr. Andersen bought 10 1/2 yards of fabric, and he needs 1/4 yard of fabric for each mask.
First, we convert the mixed number to an improper fraction. So, 10 1/2 yards becomes (10 × 2 + 1) / 2 which is 21/2 yards of fabric.
Next, we divide the total yards of fabric by the fabric required for one mask:
21/2 yards ÷ 1/4 yard/mask = 21/2 × 4/1 masks = 84/2 masks = 42 masks.
Therefore, Mr. Andersen can make 42 masks with the fabric he has purchased.