Questions: If a bookshelf is 28 1/8 inches long, how many 1 7/8 inch thick books will it hold? A 52 books B 35 books C 15 books D 48 books

Solution Steps

Convert \(28 \frac{1}{8}\) inches to an improper fraction: \[ 28 \frac{1}{8} = \frac{28 \times 8 + 1}{8} = \frac{225}{8} \text{ inches} \]

Convert \(1 \frac{7}{8}\) inches to an improper fraction: \[ 1 \frac{7}{8} = \frac{1 \times 8 + 7}{8} = \frac{15}{8} \text{ inches} \]

Divide the total length of the bookshelf by the thickness of one book to find the number of books: \[ \frac{225}{8} \div \frac{15}{8} = \frac{225}{8} \times \frac{8}{15} = \frac{225 \times 8}{8 \times 15} \]

Simplify the expression: \[ \frac{225 \times 8}{8 \times 15} = \frac{225}{15} = 15 \]

The bookshelf will hold 15 books.

Final Answer