consider this problem

if a box can hold 28 1/8 kilograms, how many 1 7/8 kilograms books will it hold

will you multiply or divide to solve this problem

Multiply

Divide

1 answer

To determine how many \(1 \frac{7}{8}\) kilogram books can fit into a box that holds \(28 \frac{1}{8}\) kilograms, you will need to divide the total weight capacity of the box by the weight of each book.

Here's how to set it up mathematically:

  1. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions if needed:

    • \(28 \frac{1}{8} = \frac{225}{8}\)
    • \(1 \frac{7}{8} = \frac{15}{8}\)
  2. Now, you need to divide the total weight capacity of the box by the weight of one book: \[ \text{Number of books} = \frac{28 \frac{1}{8}}{1 \frac{7}{8}} = \frac{\frac{225}{8}}{\frac{15}{8}} \]

  3. When you divide fractions, you multiply by the reciprocal: \[ \frac{225}{8} \times \frac{8}{15} = \frac{225}{15} \]

  4. Simplifying this gives: \[ \frac{225}{15} = 15 \]

So, the final answer is that the box can hold 15 books.

In summary, to solve this problem, you divide the total weight by the weight of one book.