Final answer:
The bamboo grows at a rate of 35.5 inches per month when the total growth of 53 1/4 inches over 1 1/2 months is divided accordingly.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the bamboo's growth rate in inches per month, we need to divide the total growth by the number of months. The bamboo plant grows 53 1/4 inches in 1 1/2 months. Let's convert each mixed number into an improper fraction for easier computation. First, 53 1/4 becomes 213/4 inches, and 1 1/2 becomes 3/2 months.
Next, we divide the total growth by the time period to find the growth rate:
Growth rate = Total Growth ÷ Number of Months
Growth rate = (213/4 inches) ÷ (3/2 months)
Growth rate = (213/4) × (2/3) inches per month
Growth rate = (213 × 2) ÷ (4 × 3) inches per month
Growth rate = 426/12 inches per month
Growth rate = 35.5 inches per month
Thus, the bamboo grows at a rate of 35.5 inches per month.