Question

The weight of a ball gets reduced by $\frac{2}{3}$ lb initially from $3\frac{1}{2}$ lb after some time. What is the weight of the ball now?

• A. $\frac{13}{6}$ lb
• B. $\frac{15}{6}$ lb
• C. $\frac{17}{6}$ lb
• D. $\frac{19}{6}$ lb

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\frac{17}{6}$ lb

Final weight of the ball can be found by subtracting the weight 2/3 lb from the initial weight of the ball.

Hence,
Initial weight of the ball = $3\frac{1}{2}$ = $\frac{7}{2}$ lb
The equivalent of $\frac{7}{2}$ = $\frac{21}{6}$ lb

On the number line, this lies between 3 and 4 and at 3 parts out of 6 parts, i.e.,


The weight of ball when reduced = $\frac{2}{3}$ lb
Since the equivalent of $\frac{2}{3}$ = $\frac{4}{6}$ lb

On subtracting,
$\text{Final weight =}\frac{7}{2}$ - $\frac{2}{3}$
= $\frac{21}{6}$ - $\frac{4}{6}$
= $\frac{17}{6}$
= $2\frac{5}{6}$ lb

Since the weight is being subtracted, the final weight lies at 4 units left of $\frac{21}{6}$ on the number line, i.e., at $\frac{17}{6}$ lb.