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About Wei Chong
Expertise
I can help you out with topics such as Algebra, Fractions, Exponents and Graphs. I'll guide you in solving math problems using logical step-by-step explanations.

Experience
I was a part time tutor for 5 years tutoring students in many subjects including mathematics.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, A-levels

You are here: Experts > Science > Math for Kids > Basic Math > Fractions

Topic: Basic Math

Expert: Wei Chong
Date: 6/23/2008
Subject: Fractions

Question
Pipe on is 6'4" & Pipe 2 is 8'1" How do i express the length of each pipe in feet using mixed fractions ?

Answer
Hi Dave,

If you need to refresh yourself on mixed fractions, here is a math resource for you (scroll down the page for the math video):

Mixed Fraction & Improper Fractions:
http://www.mathexpression.com/improper-fractions.html

Now, with a clear understanding on what mixed fraction is all about, here's how to solve the question:

1) Know that 1 feet = 12 inch

This is a critical knowledge to convert between inch and feet. For examples, we know that:

                  12 inch = 1 feet

So, if we have 6 inches, we can see that 6 inch is half to 12 inch. This means that 6 inch is also half a feet. Hence:

                  6 inch = 1/2 feet

Another case, if we have 4 inch, since 4 inch is one-third of 12 inch, therefore 4 inch is also one-third of a feet. Hence:

                  4 inch = 1/3 feet

With this in mind, we can express 6'4" (6 feet 4 inch) in feet.

2) Expressing Pipe A: 6 feet 4 inch in feet

Now, with 4 inch = 1/3 feet, we can write:

6 feet 4 inch = 6 feet + 4 inch
             = 6 feet + 1/3 feet
             = 6 1/3 feet <--- here's your mixed fraction form

Now, we can apply the same idea to Pipe B - 8'1" (8 feet 1 inch)

2)Expressing Pipe B: 8 feet 1 inch in feet

8 feet 1 inch = 8 feet + 1 inch

Now, since 12 inch = 1 feet, 1 inch is one-twelve of 12 inch. This means that 1 inch is also one-twelve of a feet. Hence:

                     1 inch = 1/12 feet

So, we have:

8 feet 1 inch = 8 feet + 1 inch
             = 8 feet + 1/12 feet
             = 8 1/12 feet <--- here's your mixed fraction form

Best Regards,
Wei Chong

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