Question

There are three model cars with lengths of `1 7/8` in., `1 5/16` and `1 13/16` in. Which one can fit into a box that measures `1 3/8` in. in length?

Answer 1

The one that is `1 5/16`

Explanation:

convert everything to an improper fraction with 16 as the denominator

The lengths of the cars

`1 7/8= 15/8=30/16`

`1 5/16 =21/16`

`1 13/16= 29/16`

The length of the box
`1 3/8 =11/8 =22/16`

So now it is just finding which car is shorter than the box. `21/16` is the only fraction here smaller than `22/16` so it has to be that one.

Answer 2

The car of length `1 5/16` will fit.

Explanation:

You can answer this one by inspection and a little bit of thinking,

The length of the box is just less than `1 1/2` inches `(1 4/8)`

Two of the cars have lengths more than `1 1/2` inches.

`1 7/8 > 1 4/8 and 1 13/16 > 1 8/16`

The only one which might fit is the one of `1 5/16` because it is less than `1 1/2` inches.

Convert to equivalent fractions with the same denominators to be able to compare the lengths.

`1 3/8 = 1 6/16`

The car of length `1 5/16` is shorter than `1 6/16`, so this is the one that will fit.