Multiplying the Weight of One Head of Cabbage by the Number of Heads

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 70 views

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the world of mathematics and tackle a problem that has puzzled many a student: Yasmin's cabbage conundrum. With six heads of cabbage, each weighing a whopping $2 \frac{3}{8}$ pounds, we must calculate the total weight of the cabbage. But how do we do it? In this article, we will explore the world of fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers to find the answer.

Understanding the Problem

Yasmin purchased six heads of cabbage, each weighing $2 \frac{3}{8}$ pounds. To find the total weight of the cabbage, we need to multiply the weight of one head of cabbage by the number of heads. But how do we multiply a mixed number by a whole number?

Multiplying Mixed Numbers

To multiply a mixed number by a whole number, we need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than the denominator. To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator.

In this case, we have $2 \frac{3}{8}$ . To convert this to an improper fraction, we multiply 2 by 8 and add 3:

$2 \times 8 = 16$ $16 + 3 = 19$

So, $2 \frac{3}{8} = \frac{19}{8}$ .

Multiplying the Weight of One Head of Cabbage by the Number of Heads

Now that we have converted the weight of one head of cabbage to an improper fraction, we can multiply it by the number of heads:

$\frac{19}{8} \times 6$

To multiply a fraction by a whole number, we multiply the numerator by the whole number and keep the denominator the same:

$\frac{19 \times 6}{8} = \frac{114}{8}$

Simplifying the Fraction

To simplify the fraction, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. The GCD of 114 and 8 is 2. We can divide both the numerator and the denominator by 2 to simplify the fraction:

$\frac{114 \div 2}{8 \div 2} = \frac{57}{4}$

Converting the Fraction to a Mixed Number

To convert the fraction to a mixed number, we need to divide the numerator by the denominator and find the remainder. In this case, we have:

$\frac{57}{4} = 14 \frac{1}{4}$

Conclusion

And there you have it! The total weight of the cabbage is $14 \frac{1}{4}$ pounds. But which of the answer choices matches this result?

Answer Choices

A. $9 \frac{3}{4}$ pounds B. $12 \frac{3}{8}$ pounds C. $13 \frac{1}{8}$ pounds D. $14 \frac{1}{4}$ pounds

The correct answer is D. $14 \frac{1}{4}$ pounds.

Discussion

This problem may seem simple, but it requires a good understanding of fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers. It also requires the ability to convert between different forms of numbers and to multiply mixed numbers by whole numbers. If you have any questions or comments about this problem, please feel free to share them in the discussion section below.

Additional Resources

Khan Academy: Fractions
Khan Academy: Decimals
Khan Academy: Mixed numbers
Mathway: Multiplying mixed numbers
Wolfram Alpha: Converting between different forms of numbers
Yasmin's Cabbage Conundrum: A Q&A Article =============================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we solved the cabbage conundrum by calculating the total weight of the cabbage. But we know that math problems can be tricky, and sometimes we need a little extra help. That's why we've put together this Q&A article, where we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the problem.

Q: What is the weight of one head of cabbage?

A: The weight of one head of cabbage is $2 \frac{3}{8}$ pounds.

Q: How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

A: To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, you need to multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator. For example, to convert $2 \frac{3}{8}$ to an improper fraction, you would multiply 2 by 8 and add 3:

$2 \times 8 = 16$ $16 + 3 = 19$

So, $2 \frac{3}{8} = \frac{19}{8}$ .

Q: How do I multiply a mixed number by a whole number?

A: To multiply a mixed number by a whole number, you need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction and then multiply it by the whole number. For example, to multiply $2 \frac{3}{8}$ by 6, you would convert $2 \frac{3}{8}$ to an improper fraction and then multiply it by 6:

$\frac{19}{8} \times 6$

To multiply a fraction by a whole number, you multiply the numerator by the whole number and keep the denominator the same:

$\frac{19 \times 6}{8} = \frac{114}{8}$

Q: How do I simplify a fraction?

A: To simplify a fraction, you need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. The GCD of 114 and 8 is 2. You can divide both the numerator and the denominator by 2 to simplify the fraction:

$\frac{114 \div 2}{8 \div 2} = \frac{57}{4}$

Q: How do I convert a fraction to a mixed number?

A: To convert a fraction to a mixed number, you need to divide the numerator by the denominator and find the remainder. In this case, we have:

$\frac{57}{4} = 14 \frac{1}{4}$

Q: What is the total weight of the cabbage?

A: The total weight of the cabbage is $14 \frac{1}{4}$ pounds.

Q: Which of the answer choices matches the total weight of the cabbage?

A: The correct answer is D. $14 \frac{1}{4}$ pounds.

Conclusion

We hope this Q&A article has helped you understand the cabbage conundrum and how to solve it. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to ask.

Additional Resources

Khan Academy: Fractions
Khan Academy: Decimals
Khan Academy: Mixed numbers
Mathway: Multiplying mixed numbers
Wolfram Alpha: Converting between different forms of numbers

Discussion

Do you have any questions or comments about the cabbage conundrum or this Q&A article? Please feel free to share them in the discussion section below.