To find the total weight of all the suitcases, we need to add the weights together. Here are the weights of the suitcases:
- \( 24 \frac{1}{2} \) lb
- \( 13 \frac{3}{8} \) lb
- \( 3 \frac{1}{2} \) lb
- \( 17 \frac{3}{4} \) lb
Let's convert all the fractions to a common denominator (which is 8 in this case) to make the addition easier.
- \( 24 \frac{1}{2} = 24 \frac{4}{8} = \frac{192}{8} + \frac{4}{8} = \frac{196}{8} \) lb
- \( 13 \frac{3}{8} = \frac{104}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{107}{8} \) lb
- \( 3 \frac{1}{2} = 3 \frac{4}{8} = \frac{24}{8} + \frac{4}{8} = \frac{28}{8} \) lb
- \( 17 \frac{3}{4} = 17 \frac{6}{8} = \frac{136}{8} + \frac{6}{8} = \frac{142}{8} \) lb
Now let's add them all together:
\[ \frac{196}{8} + \frac{107}{8} + \frac{28}{8} + \frac{142}{8} = \frac{196 + 107 + 28 + 142}{8} = \frac{473}{8} \]
To convert \(\frac{473}{8}\) to a mixed number:
\[ 473 \div 8 = 59 \quad \text{(whole number)} \] \[ 473 - (59 \times 8) = 1 \quad \text{(remainder)} \] So,
\(\frac{473}{8} = 59 \frac{1}{8}\) lb or 59.125 lb.
Looking at the available options, it looks like the total is not represented directly. The closest written answer can be expressed as \( 59 \frac{1}{8} \). None of the provided responses are equivalent to this amount, please check the given data or options. However, if we consider the options better, it appears that there may have been confusion in available response setups, but based on our calculations, it should be approximately \(59.125\) lb.