SOLUTION: Cecil and three friends ran a 15-mile relay race. Each friend ran an equal distance. What distance did each friend run? Is it 4 divided by 15 = 4/15 or fifteen divided by = 3 3/

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: Cecil and three friends ran a 15-mile relay race. Each friend ran an equal distance. What distance did each friend run? Is it 4 divided by 15 = 4/15 or fifteen divided by = 3 3/      Log On


   

Question 1074745: Cecil and three friends ran a 15-mile relay race. Each friend ran an equal distance. What distance did each friend run?
Is it 4 divided by 15 = 4/15 or fifteen divided by = 3 3/4 miles.
Please help.
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, Theo:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Cecil and THREE friends:
4 people, sharing 15 mile distance equally.

15%2F4

3%263%2F4

Answer by Theo(13342) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
if you want the distance that each person ran, you would divide the total miles by the number of persons who ran.

your answer would be 15 / 4 = 3 and 3/4.
that tells you the number of miles per person.
that's what you want.

4/15 will tell you the number of persons per mile.
that's not what you want.

here's a reference on unit rate problems that you might find helpful.

http://www.virtualnerd.com/pre-algebra/ratios-proportions/rates-word-problem-solution.php