Question

an electrician cut 5\frac{1}{2} feet of wire into three equal sections. after cutting, how long was each piece?

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed - number to improper fraction

$5\frac{1}{2}=\frac{5\times2 + 1}{2}=\frac{11}{2}$

Step2: Divide by 3

$\frac{11}{2}\div3=\frac{11}{2}\times\frac{1}{3}=\frac{11}{6}$

Step3: Convert improper fraction to mixed - number

$\frac{11}{6}=1\frac{5}{6}$

Answer:

$1\frac{5}{6}$ feet