Final answer:
Sebastian has grown a total of 7 inches over the past three years by multiplying his annual growth rate of 2 1/3 inches by 3 years after converting the mixed number to an improper fraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the total number of inches Sebastian has grown in the past three years, we need to multiply his annual growth by the number of years. Sebastian grew 2 1/3 inches each year and this happened for 3 years.
First, convert the mixed number to an improper fraction: 2 1/3 inches equals 7/3 inches.
Next, multiply the annual growth of 7/3 inches by the 3 years: (7/3 inches/year) × 3 years.
Finally, simplify the result: (7/3) × 3 = 7 inches.
Therefore, Sebastian has grown a total of 7 inches in the past three years.