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?

Answer 1

A

Explanation:

Answer 2

Step 2

1 2/3 was converted as 5/2 instead of 5/3

Explanation:

• Each batch = 1 2/3
• Total = 10 5/6

Number of batches

• 10 5/6 : 1 2/3 =
• 65/6 : 5/3 =
• 65/6 * 3/5 =
• 65/10 =
• 6.5

Solution by Janice:

1. 10 5/6 : 1 2/3 =
2. 65/6 : 5/2 =
3. 65/6 * 2/5 =
4. 130/30 =
5. 4 1/3

Error made at step 2:

• StartFraction 65 over 6 EndFraction divided by five halves = StartFraction 65 over 6 EndFraction times StartFraction 2 over 5

1 2/3 was converted as 5/2 instead of 5/3