Final answer:
The construction worker has more concrete mix than needed; he has an excess of 1 1/6 pounds and does not require any more.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked how many more pounds of concrete mix a construction worker needs if he requires 3 2/3 pounds in total and already has 1 1/2 pounds in one bag and 3 pounds in another. To answer this, we need to add the amount of concrete the worker already has and subtract it from the total amount needed.
First, add the two amounts the worker has:
- 1 1/2 pounds + 3 pounds = 4 1/2 pounds
Now, subtract this total from the amount needed:
- 3 2/3 pounds - 4 1/2 pounds
- To subtract, we need a common denominator, which is 6. Convert both numbers:
- 3 2/3 pounds = 3 4/6 pounds
- 4 1/2 pounds = 4 3/6 pounds
- Now subtract: 3 4/6 pounds - 4 3/6 pounds = -1 -1/6 pounds
The negative result indicates the worker actually has more than enough concrete mix. Therefore, he does not need any additional concrete mix. In fact, he has an excess of 1 1/6 pounds.