Question

Estimating in word problems with fractions. Rosa needs 5 1/4 of ribbon for a crafts project. She already has 2 7/8 of ribbon. How many more yards of ribbon does she need to buy?

Answer 1

Rosa requires
`2(3)/(8)\text{ yards}` of ribbon to complete the project.

Explanation:

We are given the following in the question:

Length of ribbon required for project =

`5(1)/(4)\text{ yards}`

Length of ribbon Rosa have =

`2(7)/(8)\text{ yards}`

Amount of ribbon required for the project =

Length of ribbon required for project - Length of ribbon Rosa have

`=5(1)/(4)-2(7)/(8)\\\\=(21)/(4)-(23)/(8)\\\\=(42-23)/(8)\\\\=(19)/(8)\\\\=2(3)/(8)\text{ yards}`

Thus, Rosa requires
`2(3)/(8)\text{ yards}` of ribbon to complete the project.