Question

Before it started to rain, Bobby cut 1 8 of the grass in his yard and Danny cut 1 5 of the grass in the yard. Both boys were disappointed because they were not able to cut the entire yard. Which statement is TRUE?

A) Together the boys didn't even cut half the yard.
B) The boys were able to cut more than half the yard.
C) The boys cut almost three-fourths of the yard.
D) Together the boys cut almost the entire yard.

Answer 1

Option A is correct

Explanation:

Bobby = 1/8

Danny = 1/5

Let's add up both fractions:

1/8 + 1/5 =

1*5/8*5 + 1*8/5*8 = (multiplying both the numerator and

5/40 + 8/40 = 13/40 denominator by the opposite denominator)

Together, they both cut 13/40 of the entire lawn.

Let's check each option:

A) Together the boys didn't even cut half the yard.

True, half of the yard is 20/40, and 13/40 < 20/40

B) The boys were able to cut more than half the yard.

False, half of the yard is 20/40, and 13/40 is not greater than 20/40

C) The boys cut almost three-fourths of the yard.

False, three-fourths of the yard is 30/40, and 13/40 is not close.

D) Together the boys cut almost the entire yard.

False, the entire yard is 40/40 and 13/40 is not close.

-Chetan K