(a) Complex fractions contain fractions as the numerator and denominator. For example, Edward's recipe for salad requires 3 3/4 cups of lettuce to 1 1/2 pounds of tomatoes.. Then the ratio would be
(3*2/3)/(1*3/4)
(b) We convert the complex fractions to improper fractions. The numerator would be (denominator*whole number)+numerator. The denominator remains as is.
3 2/3 = [(3*3)+2]/3 = 11/3
1 3/4 = [(4*1)+3]/4 = 7/4
So, if Edward has 1 lb of tomatoes,
[tex]1 \ lb( \frac{ \frac{11}{3} }{7/4} )=1lb( \frac{11}{3}* \frac{7}{4} )= \frac{44}{21} [/tex]
Therefore, Edward needs 44/21 or an estimate of 2 cups of lettuce.
