Problema Solution

Gingers baby weighted only 3 3/8 pounds when it was born. The doctor said it could not leave until it weighed 5 1/2 pounds. How many pounds must the baby gain before it can go home with ginger?

Answer provided by our tutors

5 1/2 - 3 3/8 = (5*2 + 1)/2 - (3*8 + 3)/8 = 11/2 - 27/8 = (11*4 - 27)/8 = 17/8 = 2 1/8 

The baby must gain 2 1/8 pounds.