To compare the widths of the stamps, we need to convert all the measurements to a common format, such as improper fractions or decimal form. Here are the measurements you provided:
- \(1 \frac{5}{8} = \frac{13}{8}\)
- \(1 \frac{11}{16} = \frac{27}{16}\)
- \(1 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{7}{4} = \frac{14}{8}\)
- \(1 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{2} = \frac{12}{8}\)
Now let's compare the fractions:
- \( \frac{13}{8} \)
- \( \frac{27}{16} = \frac{27}{16} \) or \(1.6875\) (when converted to decimal)
- \( \frac{14}{8} = 1.75 \)
- \( \frac{12}{8} = 1.5 \)
To find a common denominator for comparison, we'll compare all fractions to a common denominator of 16:
- \( \frac{13}{8} = \frac{26}{16} \)
- \( \frac{27}{16} \)
- \( \frac{14}{8} = \frac{28}{16} \)
- \( \frac{12}{8} = \frac{24}{16} \)
Now the measurements in terms of sixteenths are:
- \( \frac{26}{16} \)
- \( \frac{27}{16} \)
- \( \frac{28}{16} \)
- \( \frac{24}{16} \)
The widest stamp is \( \frac{28}{16} \), which corresponds to \( 1 \frac{3}{4} \).
So, the widest stamp is 1 and 3/4 inches.