To find the number of hours \( h \) that Maria still needs to spend to complete her community service program, we can set up the equation based on the total time required and the time already spent.
She needs to spend a total of \( 5 \frac{1}{2} \) hours (which is \( \frac{11}{2} \) hours) and has already spent \( 3 \frac{3}{4} \) hours (which is \( \frac{15}{4} \) hours). The equation can be formulated as:
\[ h + \text{(time already spent)} = \text{(total time required)} \]
Substituting the values, we have:
\[ h + \frac{15}{4} = \frac{11}{2} \]
So, the correct interpretation is:
h plus 3 and three-fourths equals 5 and one-half.
Thus, the equation you’re looking for is:
h + 3 3/4 = 5 1/2.