Question

About $ \dfrac{4}{5} $ of the weight of a pineapple is water. How much water would you expect to find in $ 2\dfrac{1}{2} $ pounds of pineapple?

Answer 1

Hint: Here, we will frame the equation using the given data and first of all convert the given mixed fraction in the form of the simple fraction and will also assume the unknown value “x” and then simplify for the resultant required value.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Let us assume that the water in $ 2\dfrac{1}{2} $ pineapple is “x”
Now, convert the given mixed fraction in the form of simple fraction:
 $ 2\dfrac{1}{2} = \dfrac{5}{2} $
Now, Water contents in $ \dfrac{5}{2} $ pounds of pineapple is $ \dfrac{4}{5} $ of the weight.
 $ \therefore x = \dfrac{5}{2} \times \dfrac{4}{5} $
Common factors from the numerator and the denominator cancels each other. Therefore, remove from the numerator and the denominator.
 $ \therefore x = \dfrac{1}{2} \times \dfrac{4}{1} $
Now, again common factors from the n $ \therefore x = 2 $ numerator and the denominator cancels each other.
Hence, from the $ 2\dfrac{1}{2} $ pounds of pineapple there will be $ 2 $ pounds of water.
So, the correct answer is “ $ 2 $ pounds”.

Note: Frame the mathematical expression properly and cross check it once done. Always remember that the common factors from the numerator and the denominator cancels each other. Be good in multiples.
Additional Information: Prime factorization is the process of finding which prime numbers can be multiplied together to make the original number, where prime numbers are the numbers greater than $ 1 $ and which are not the product of any two smaller natural numbers. For Example: $ 2,{\text{ 3, 5, 7,}}...... $