SOLUTION: I need to divide 38 3/4 inches by 4 to make a skirt. I would appreciate not just an answer but if you can help me understand it! I would like to understand how this strange system

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: I need to divide 38 3/4 inches by 4 to make a skirt. I would appreciate not just an answer but if you can help me understand it! I would like to understand how this strange system       Log On


   

Question 567391: I need to divide 38 3/4 inches by 4 to make a skirt. I would appreciate not just an answer but if you can help me understand it! I would like to understand how this strange system works in division. I actually don't understand why sometimes a number is called an 1/8 & sometimes 2/16th. Can you help me? Many thanks.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I need to divide 38 3/4 inches by 4 to make a skirt.
:
First convert 38 3/4 inches to an improper fraction (find how many 4th are in 38 3/4)
4(38) + 3
which is:
152 + 3 = 155%2F4
:
You can effectively divide this by four, my multiplying it by 1/4
multiply the numerators and the denominators
155%2F4 * 1%2F4 = 155%2F16
convert that by using long division where you have a remainder
. . ____
16| 155
You should get 9 with a remainder of 11, therefore it's 9 11/16 inches
:
:
I actually don't understand why sometimes a number is called an 1/8 & sometimes 2/16th.
Think of it as if you cut a pizza into 16 equal pie-shaped pieces
then
8 pieces would be one half the pizza (1/2), which is 8/16 of the pizza
Similarly:
4 pieces would be one fourth of a pizza (1/4), which is 4/16 of the pizza
and
2 pieces would be one eighth of a pizza (1/8), which is 2/16 of the pizze
:
Did this help? I will endeavor to explain further if you want me to. Anyone who has the skill to actually sew their own skirt, should have no trouble with fractions.