Carmen needs 3 \frac{1}{4}7 
4
3
​
  meters of red ribbon to decorate a dress, but she only has 2 \frac{3}{5}2 
5
2
​
  meters. How many more meters of ribbon is she still needed?"​

Let's clarify and solve the problem. The text you provided is slightly mixed up, but I believe the intended problem is:

"Carmen needs \( 3 \frac{1}{4} \) meters of red ribbon to decorate a dress, but she only has \( 2 \frac{3}{5} \) meters. How many more meters of ribbon does she still need?"

### Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.

For \( 3 \frac{1}{4} \):
- \( 3 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3 \times 4 + 1}{4} = \frac{12 + 1}{4} = \frac{13}{4} \)

For \( 2 \frac{3}{5} \):
- \( 2 \frac{3}{5} = \frac{2 \times 5 + 3}{5} = \frac{10 + 3}{5} = \frac{13}{5} \)

### Step 2: Subtract the two improper fractions.

We need to find:
\[ \text{Ribbon needed} = \frac{13}{4} - \frac{13}{5} \]

To subtract these fractions, we need a common denominator. The least common denominator (LCD) of 4 and 5 is 20.

Convert each fraction:
\[ \frac{13}{4} = \frac{13 \times 5}{20} = \frac{65}{20} \]
\[ \frac{13}{5} = \frac{13 \times 4}{20} = \frac{52}{20} \]

Now subtract:
\[ \frac{65}{20} - \frac{52}{20} = \frac{65 - 52}{20} = \frac{13}{20} \]

### Conclusion:
Carmen still needs \( \frac{13}{20} \) meters of ribbon.

Would you like any further details or explanations?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:
1. How would you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction in general?
2. What if the denominators were not 4 and 5 but 6 and 8? How would you handle the subtraction?
3. How can you check your subtraction of fractions for accuracy?
4. What happens if the two fractions have the same denominator?
5. How can you apply these steps to a real-world scenario involving adding or subtracting fractions?

**Tip:** When dealing with fractions, finding the least common denominator (LCD) is crucial for performing accurate addition and subtraction.

Learn how to solve Carmen's ribbon problem involving subtracting fractions. Carmen needs 3 1/4 meters of ribbon but has only 2 3/5 meters. Step-by-step solution provided with detailed fraction conversion and subtraction method. Suitable for students in Grades 4-6.

Math Problem Statement

Solution

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Formulas

Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Related Recommendation