CPM Homework Help : MC1 Problem 7-104

Jane has two broken ruler segments. One shows from $1\frac{1}{2}$ to $3$ inches, and the other shows $3\frac{1}{4}$ to $5\frac{1}{2}$ inches. Which piece is longer? How much longer is it?

Hint:

You can use subtraction to find the length of each segment and then you can compare them.

Step 1:

Find the length of the first segment.

$3-1\frac{1}{2}=3\frac{2}{2}-\frac{3}{2}=\frac{6}{2}-\frac{3}{2}=\frac{3}{2}=1\frac{1}{2}\text{ inches}$

Step 2:

Find the length of the second segment.

$5\frac{1}{2}-3\frac{1}{4}=\frac{11}{2}-\frac{13}{4}=\frac{22}{4}-\frac{13}{4}=\frac{9}{4}=2\frac{1}{4} \text{ inches}$

Answer:

The second segment is longer. Use subtraction to figure out the difference in their lengths.