Help understanding the solution to this fraction problem.

  • Thread starter limac
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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of integers k and l to represent positions of red and green marks on a stick. The point (k+l)/20 in between these marks helps in finding a solution and proof for the given problem. The purpose of k/7 and l/13 is clarified and the conversation ends on a positive note.
  • #1
limac
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Hi,

Please see the attachment.

I really don't understand what the M/7 and the L/13 represents. How did he(authors) logically derive to that? And also, I don't understand how finding the value in-between M/7 and L/13 (M+L/20) helps them come up with the solution and the proof.

Thank you,
limac
 
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  • #2
Where is the attachment?
 
  • #3
Here, How about this?
 

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  • #4
Given an integer k from 1 to 6, and an integer l from 1 to 12, k/7 and l/13 are positions of a red mark and a green mark, respectively (where the stick goes from 0 to 1). The idea is that in between any red mark and any green mark, there is a point at (k + l)/20 where the stick is cut (since the stick is cut at 1/20 intervals).
 
  • #5
adriank,

Alright, so k and l are representing anyone valid mark at a time on the stick. And (k+l)/20 is the point in-between any two of the respective red and green marks, right?

Now, it is making sense to me. I was very confused about what k/7 and l/13 meant.

Thank you very much for your time. :)
 

Related to Help understanding the solution to this fraction problem.

1. What is a fraction?

A fraction represents a part of a whole number. It is written with two numbers, one on top of the other, with a line in between them.

2. How do you add or subtract fractions?

To add or subtract fractions, you need to have a common denominator. If the denominators are the same, you can add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

3. What is a common denominator?

A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of all the denominators in a fraction problem. It allows you to add or subtract fractions by keeping the denominator the same.

4. How do you simplify fractions?

To simplify a fraction, you need to find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. Then, divide both numbers by the GCF to get the simplified fraction.

5. What is the difference between a proper fraction and an improper fraction?

A proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is smaller than the denominator. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is equal to or larger than the denominator. You can convert an improper fraction to a mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator and using the quotient as the whole number and the remainder as the numerator.

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