Converting the Mixed Number to an Improper Fraction

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 84 views

Ralph's Tennis Time: Calculating Hours Played in a Year

In this article, we will delve into the world of mathematics, specifically focusing on time calculations. We will explore how to calculate the total hours Ralph spends playing tennis in a year, given that he spends ${ $15 \frac{1}{3}\$}$ hours per month. This problem requires an understanding of fractions and multiplication, making it an excellent example of how math is applied in real-life scenarios.

Ralph spends ${ $15 \frac{1}{3}\$}$ hours per month playing tennis. To find out how many hours he plays in a year, we need to multiply the hours he plays per month by the number of months in a year. Since there are twelve months in a year, we will multiply ${ $15 \frac{1}{3}\$}$ by 12.

Converting the Mixed Number to an Improper Fraction

Before we can multiply, we need to convert the mixed number ${ $15 \frac{1}{3}\$}$ to an improper fraction. To do this, we multiply the whole number part (15) by the denominator (3), and then add the numerator (1). This gives us:

15 \times 3 = 45

45 + 1 = 46

So, the mixed number ${ $15 \frac{1}{3}\$}$ is equivalent to the improper fraction ${$ \frac{46}{3}$}$.

Multiplying the Improper Fraction by 12

Now that we have the improper fraction ${$ \frac{46}{3}$}$, we can multiply it by 12 to find the total hours Ralph plays in a year:

\frac{46}{3} \times 12 = \frac{46 \times 12}{3}

\frac{552}{3} = 184

Therefore, Ralph plays ${ $184\$}$ hours of tennis in a year. This is the correct answer, which can be found by multiplying the hours he plays per month by the number of months in a year.

Why is this the Correct Answer?

The correct answer is ${ $184\$}$ because it is the result of multiplying the improper fraction ${$ \frac{46}{3}$}$ by 12. This calculation takes into account the hours Ralph plays per month and the number of months in a year, providing an accurate answer to the problem.

Comparison with Other Options

Let's compare our answer with the other options:

A. 164: This is incorrect because it is 20 hours less than our answer.
B. 184: This is the correct answer.
C. ${ $182 \frac{2}{3}\$}$ : This is incorrect because it is 1.67 hours less than our answer.
D. ${ $164 \frac{1}{3}\$}$ : This is incorrect because it is 19.67 hours less than our answer.

In conclusion, Ralph plays ${ $184\$}$ hours of tennis in a year. This answer is the result of multiplying the hours he plays per month by the number of months in a year. By understanding fractions and multiplication, we can accurately solve this problem and find the correct answer.
Ralph's Tennis Time: Calculating Hours Played in a Year - Q&A

In our previous article, we explored how to calculate the total hours Ralph spends playing tennis in a year. We found that Ralph plays ${ $184\$}$ hours of tennis in a year. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to this problem.

Q: What is the formula to calculate the total hours played in a year?

A: The formula to calculate the total hours played in a year is:

Total Hours = Hours Played per Month x Number of Months in a Year

In this case, the hours played per month is ${ $15 \frac{1}{3}\$}$ and the number of months in a year is 12.

Q: Why do we need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction?

A: We need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction because it makes the multiplication process easier. When we multiply a mixed number by a whole number, we need to multiply the whole number part by the denominator and then add the numerator. This can be a complex process, but converting the mixed number to an improper fraction simplifies it.

Q: Can we use a calculator to solve this problem?

A: Yes, we can use a calculator to solve this problem. However, it's always a good idea to understand the underlying math and be able to solve the problem manually. This will help you to understand the concept better and to apply it to other problems.

Q: What if Ralph plays tennis for a different number of months in a year?

A: If Ralph plays tennis for a different number of months in a year, we would need to multiply the hours played per month by the new number of months. For example, if Ralph plays tennis for 10 months, we would multiply ${ $15 \frac{1}{3}\$}$ by 10.

Q: Can we apply this concept to other problems?

A: Yes, we can apply this concept to other problems. For example, if you know how much money you spend on groceries per week and you want to know how much you spend in a year, you can multiply the amount you spend per week by the number of weeks in a year.

Q: What is the importance of understanding fractions and multiplication?

A: Understanding fractions and multiplication is important because it helps you to solve problems that involve time, money, and other quantities. It's a fundamental concept in mathematics that has many real-world applications.

In conclusion, Ralph plays ${ $184\$}$ hours of tennis in a year. We answered some frequently asked questions related to this problem, including the formula to calculate the total hours played in a year, the importance of converting mixed numbers to improper fractions, and the application of this concept to other problems. By understanding fractions and multiplication, we can solve problems that involve time, money, and other quantities.

If you want to learn more about fractions and multiplication, here are some additional resources:

Khan Academy: Fractions and Multiplication
Mathway: Fractions and Multiplication
IXL: Fractions and Multiplication

Try these practice problems to test your understanding of fractions and multiplication:

If you spend ${ $20\$}$ per week on groceries and you want to know how much you spend in a year, how much will you spend?
If you play tennis for ${ $10\$}$ per hour and you play for 5 hours, how much will you pay in total?
If you know how much money you spend on gas per month and you want to know how much you spend in a year, how much will you spend?