Question

1. zoe had $3\frac{1}{8}$ feet of orange ribbon. she used some ribbon to make a bow for a gift. now she has $1\frac{3}{8}$ feet of ribbon left. how much orange ribbon did zoe use? use the model to write an equation, and solve.

Explanation:

Step1: Define variables and equation

Let \( x \) be the length of ribbon used. The total ribbon minus used ribbon equals remaining ribbon: \( 3\frac{1}{8}-x = 1\frac{3}{8} \).

Step2: Solve for \( x \)

Rewrite mixed numbers as improper fractions: \( 3\frac{1}{8}=\frac{25}{8} \), \( 1\frac{3}{8}=\frac{11}{8} \).
Equation: \( \frac{25}{8}-x=\frac{11}{8} \).
Add \( x \) to both sides: \( \frac{25}{8}=\frac{11}{8}+x \).
Subtract \( \frac{11}{8} \) from both sides: \( x = \frac{25}{8}-\frac{11}{8}=\frac{14}{8}=\frac{7}{4}=1\frac{3}{4} \).

Answer:

Zoe used \( 1\frac{3}{4} \) feet of orange ribbon.