Question

A strip of wood $ 66 $ inches long is cut into $ 5\dfrac{1}{2} $ - inch pieces. How many pieces can be cut?

Answer 1

Hint: First of all convert the given mixed fraction in the form of the simple fraction and then will suppose that there are “x” number of pieces from the strip of wood and then simplify for the required resultant value.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Convert the given fraction $ 5\dfrac{1}{2} $ in the form of simple fraction.
Mixed number is the combination of a whole number and the fraction. Fraction is the number expressed in the form of the numerator and the denominator.
 $ 5\dfrac{1}{2} = \dfrac{{11}}{2} $
Given that $ 5\dfrac{1}{2} $ pieces are cut from the wooden strip.
Let us suppose that “x” times of this length will be equal to the total $ 66 $ inches.
Therefore,
 $ \dfrac{{11}}{2} \times x = 66 $
Term multiplicative on one side if moved to the opposite side then it goes to the denominator and vice-versa. Make the required term “x” the subject.
 $ \Rightarrow x = \dfrac{{66 \times 2}}{{11}} $
Find the factors for the terms on the numerator in the above expression.
 $ \Rightarrow x = \dfrac{{11 \times 6 \times 2}}{{11}} $
Common factors from the numerator and the denominator cancel each other. Therefore, remove from the numerator and the denominator.
 $ \Rightarrow x = 6 \times 2 $
Simplify the above expression –
 $ \Rightarrow x = 12 $
Hence, total $ 12 $ pieces are cut from the given strip of wood.
So, the correct answer is “$ 12 $ pieces”.

Note: Read the given word statements and understand it properly and then frame the equations accordingly and use division and multiplication for the required value. Always frame the mathematical expression properly since the solution depends on it only. Be good in finding the factors of the terms and remember multiples till twenty.