Calculating the Fraction of the Floor Covered with New Tile

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 28 views

Introduction

Carmen is a homeowner who has decided to renovate her bathroom floor. She has chosen to install new tile on a portion of the floor and new carpet on another section. In this article, we will explore the fraction of the bathroom floor that is covered with new tile and new carpet. To do this, we will need to calculate the individual fractions of the floor that are covered with tile and carpet, and then add them together to find the total fraction of the floor that is covered.

Calculating the Fraction of the Floor Covered with New Tile

Carmen has installed new tile on $\frac{1}{4}$ of her bathroom floor. This means that the fraction of the floor that is covered with tile is $\frac{1}{4}$ . To understand what this fraction represents, let's consider a simple example. If the bathroom floor is represented by a square with an area of 1 square unit, then the tile would cover an area of $\frac{1}{4}$ square unit.

Calculating the Fraction of the Floor Covered with New Carpet

Carmen has also installed new carpet on $\frac{5}{8}$ of another section of the same floor. This means that the fraction of the floor that is covered with carpet is $\frac{5}{8}$ . To understand what this fraction represents, let's consider a simple example. If the bathroom floor is represented by a square with an area of 1 square unit, then the carpet would cover an area of $\frac{5}{8}$ square unit.

Finding the Total Fraction of the Floor Covered with New Tile and New Carpet

To find the total fraction of the floor that is covered with new tile and new carpet, we need to add the individual fractions of the floor that are covered with tile and carpet. However, we need to be careful when adding fractions with different denominators. In this case, the denominators of the fractions are 4 and 8, respectively. To add these fractions, we need to find a common denominator, which is the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 8.

Finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of 4 and 8

The LCM of 4 and 8 is 8. This is because 8 is a multiple of 4, and it is the smallest multiple of 4 that is also a multiple of 8.

Adding the Fractions

Now that we have found the LCM of 4 and 8, we can add the fractions. To do this, we need to convert the fraction $\frac{1}{4}$ to have a denominator of 8. We can do this by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 2, which gives us $\frac{2}{8}$ . Now we can add the fractions:

$\frac{2}{8} + \frac{5}{8} = \frac{7}{8}$

Conclusion

In conclusion, Carmen has covered $\frac{7}{8}$ of her bathroom floor with new tile and new carpet. This means that the fraction of the floor that is not covered with tile or carpet is $\frac{1}{8}$ .

Final Answer

The final answer is $\boxed{\frac{7}{8}}$ .

Discussion

This problem is a great example of how to add fractions with different denominators. It requires the student to find the LCM of the denominators and then convert the fractions to have a common denominator. This is an important skill in mathematics, as it allows the student to add and subtract fractions with different denominators.

Real-World Application

This problem has a real-world application in construction and renovation. When a homeowner is renovating their bathroom floor, they need to calculate the fraction of the floor that is covered with tile and carpet. This is important because it affects the cost of the renovation and the amount of materials that need to be purchased.

Tips and Tricks

When adding fractions with different denominators, it is helpful to find the LCM of the denominators.
To convert a fraction to have a common denominator, multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number.
When adding fractions, make sure to add the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

Common Mistakes

Failing to find the LCM of the denominators.
Failing to convert the fractions to have a common denominator.
Adding the denominators instead of the numerators.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this problem is a great example of how to add fractions with different denominators. It requires the student to find the LCM of the denominators and then convert the fractions to have a common denominator. This is an important skill in mathematics, as it allows the student to add and subtract fractions with different denominators.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the problem of finding the fraction of the bathroom floor covered with new tile and new carpet. We calculated that the fraction of the floor covered with new tile and new carpet is $\frac{7}{8}$ . In this article, we will answer some common questions that students may have when working on this problem.

Q: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 8?

A: The LCM of 4 and 8 is 8. This is because 8 is a multiple of 4, and it is the smallest multiple of 4 that is also a multiple of 8.

Q: How do I convert a fraction to have a common denominator?

A: To convert a fraction to have a common denominator, multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number. For example, to convert the fraction $\frac{1}{4}$ to have a denominator of 8, multiply the numerator and denominator by 2, which gives us $\frac{2}{8}$ .

Q: What is the difference between adding fractions with the same denominator and adding fractions with different denominators?

A: When adding fractions with the same denominator, you simply add the numerators and keep the denominator the same. However, when adding fractions with different denominators, you need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators and then convert the fractions to have a common denominator.

Q: Can I use a calculator to find the LCM of two numbers?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to find the LCM of two numbers. However, it is also important to understand how to find the LCM manually, as this will help you to understand the concept better.

Q: What is the importance of finding the LCM of two numbers?

A: Finding the LCM of two numbers is important because it allows you to add and subtract fractions with different denominators. This is a fundamental concept in mathematics, and it has many real-world applications.

Q: Can I use a shortcut to find the LCM of two numbers?

A: Yes, there are several shortcuts that you can use to find the LCM of two numbers. One common shortcut is to list the multiples of each number and find the smallest multiple that is common to both lists.

Q: What is the difference between the LCM and the greatest common divisor (GCD)?

A: The LCM and GCD are two related but distinct concepts. The GCD is the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder, while the LCM is the smallest number that is a multiple of both numbers.

Q: Can I use the GCD to find the LCM?

A: Yes, you can use the GCD to find the LCM. The relationship between the GCD and LCM is given by the formula: LCM(a, b) = (a * b) / GCD(a, b).

Q: What are some real-world applications of finding the LCM of two numbers?

A: Finding the LCM of two numbers has many real-world applications, including:

Construction and renovation: When renovating a bathroom floor, you need to calculate the fraction of the floor that is covered with tile and carpet.
Music: When writing music, you need to find the LCM of two or more time signatures in order to create a cohesive rhythm.
Science: When working with scientific data, you need to find the LCM of two or more sets of data in order to compare them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the LCM of two numbers is an important concept in mathematics that has many real-world applications. By understanding how to find the LCM, you will be able to add and subtract fractions with different denominators, and you will be able to apply this concept to a wide range of problems in science, music, and construction.