Question

Several batches of stew were made yesterday. Each batch required 1 and two-thirds pounds of meat. All together, 10 and StartFraction 5 over 6 EndFraction pounds of meat was used. Janice tried to find the number of batches of stew made. Her work is shown below. 10 and StartFraction 5 over 6 EndFraction divided by 1 and two-thirds = StartFraction 65 over 6 EndFraction divided by five halves = StartFraction 65 over 6 EndFraction times StartFraction 2 over 5 EndFraction = StartFraction 130 over 30 EndFraction = 4 and one-third When she checked the answer by estimating, it did not make sense. What error did Janice make? Janice converted a mixed number to the wrong improper fraction. Janice added the numerators and denominators instead of multiplying. Janice did not change the division problem to multiplication. Janice did not convert the improper fraction to a mixed number correctly in the answer.

Answer 1

A

Explanation:

Answer 2

Janice converted a mixed number to the wrong improper fraction.

Explanation:

1 batch of stew uses 1 and 2/3 lb meat

Total amount of meat used - 10 and 5/6 lb

x = number of stew batches made

To get number of batches made, divide total meat used by the amount of meat each batch requires:

x = 10 5/6 ÷ 1 2/3

convert mixed fractions to improper fractions:

x = (10x6+5)/6 ÷ (1x3+2)/3

x = 65/6 ÷ 5/3

The fraction in bold numbers is where Janice got it wrong. She changed 1 2/3 to 5/2. (From the question: 10 and StartFraction 5 over 6 EndFraction divided by 1 and two-thirds = StartFraction 65 over 6 EndFraction divided by five halves). 1 2/3 converted to an improper fraction is 5/3. From this point going forward, the calculations are wrong.