Question

next, you find that the second shelf of the return cart is divided into three equal sections, the first two of which are filled with books.
the third shelf of the cart is divided into six equal sections, out of which five are filled with books.
what fraction of the second and third shelves of the return cart are filled with books? simplify your answer if needed.
one and one-half
one and one-sixth
seven-ninths
three-sixths

Explanation:

Step1: Define total sections

Let each shelf have equal total space. For the second shelf: total sections = 3, filled = 2. For the third shelf: total sections = 6, filled = 5. Total combined sections = $3 + 6 = 9$.

Step2: Calculate total filled sections

Total filled sections = $2 + 5 = 7$.

Step3: Form the fraction

Fraction of filled space = $\frac{\text{Total filled sections}}{\text{Total combined sections}} = \frac{7}{9}$.

Answer:

Seven-ninths