Jack needs about 1whole and 1/2 yards of string, he has three pieces in different lengths:1/2 yard, 1/3 yard, and 7/8 yard. without finding the exact amount, which two pieces can get you to the closet to 1whole1/2 yards of string?
To determine which two pieces of string can get you closest to 1 and 1/2 yards, we need to compare the sum of each combination to 1 and 1/2 yards.
Combining the 1/2 yard and 1/3 yard pieces gives us 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6 yard.
Combining the 1/3 yard and 7/8 yard pieces gives us 1/3 + 7/8 = 8/24 + 21/24 = 29/24 yard.
Combining the 1/2 yard and 7/8 yard pieces gives us 1/2 + 7/8 = 4/8 + 14/8 = 18/8 = 9/4 yard.
Out of these combinations, 5/6 yard is closest to 1 and 1/2 yards.