Final answer:
To determine the amount of sugar needed, multiply the original requirement by the factor representing the increased recipe size. Natalie needs to use 3 3/4 cups of sugar for 1 1/2 times the brownie recipe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question asks how many cups of sugar Natalie should use if she is making 1 1/2 times the brownie recipe that calls for 2 1/2 cups of sugar. To find the answer, we multiply the original amount of sugar needed (2 1/2 cups) by the factor (1 1/2) to adjust for the increased recipe size.
Let's convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying:
- 2 1/2 is equal to ⅔ (which is 5/2 in improper fraction form).
- 1 1/2 is equal to ½ (which is 3/2 in improper fraction form).
Now we multiply:
(5/2) × (3/2) = 15/4 cups
To convert 15/4 back to a mixed number, we divide 15 by 4:
- 15 ÷ 4 = 3 with a remainder of 3. Therefore, 15/4 cups equals 3 3/4 cups.
Natalie should use 3 3/4 cups of sugar for making 1 1/2 times the brownie recipe.