Math Problem Statement

The fourth graders are painting one of the walls under the covered area on the playground. They started with 3 3/4 gallons of paint, but it wasn't enough, so one of the parents brought them another 2/4 gallons of paint. (a) How much paint did they have in all? (b) In the end, it took 5 1/4 gallons of paint to cover the wall. Did the fourth graders have any paint left over?

Solution

Let's solve the problem shown in the image step by step.

Part (a) How much paint did they have in all?

The fourth graders started with 34\frac{3}{4} gallons of paint, and one of the parents brought another 24\frac{2}{4} gallons of paint.

To find how much paint they had in total, we need to add these two fractions: 34+24=3+24=54\frac{3}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{3 + 2}{4} = \frac{5}{4}

So, the total amount of paint they had is 54\frac{5}{4} gallons, which can also be written as 1141 \frac{1}{4} gallons.

Answer for part (a): They had 1141 \frac{1}{4} gallons of paint in all.


Part (b) Did the fourth graders have any paint left over?

We are told that it took 5145 \frac{1}{4} gallons of paint to cover the wall. We need to compare the amount of paint they had, 1141 \frac{1}{4} gallons, with the amount needed to cover the wall.

Clearly, 5145 \frac{1}{4} gallons is more than 1141 \frac{1}{4} gallons, so the fourth graders did not have enough paint to cover the wall, and thus had no paint left over.


Would you like more details on any part of this? Let me know!

Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you convert improper fractions into mixed numbers?
  2. How can you find the least common denominator when adding fractions with different denominators?
  3. How can you estimate whether you will have enough of a resource by comparing mixed numbers?
  4. What is the difference between a proper fraction and an improper fraction?
  5. How do you subtract fractions or mixed numbers?

Tip: When adding or subtracting fractions, always make sure the denominators are the same before performing the operation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Fractions
Addition of Fractions
Mixed Numbers

Formulas

Adding fractions: a/b + c/b = (a + c)/b
Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions: a b/c = (a*c + b)/c
Comparing mixed numbers

Theorems

Arithmetic Rules for Fractions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 4-6