d Problem: A scientist measured the weight of some damp soil. After exposing the soil to the air for 4\frac{1}{2} weeks, the scientist found that the weight had decreased by 5\frac{5}{8} ounces. Find the average weight loss per week. | Job Exam Rare Mathematics (JEMrare) - Solved MCQs

# Problem: A scientist measured the weight of some damp soil. After exposing the soil to the air for 4\frac{1}{2} weeks, the scientist found that the weight had decreased by 5\frac{5}{8} ounces. Find the average weight loss per week.

Problem: A scientist measured the weight of some damp soil. After exposing the soil to the air for 4\frac{1}{2} weeks, the scientist found that the weight had decreased by 5\frac{5}{8} ounces. Find the average weight loss per week.

Solution:

Number of weeks given

$=4\frac{1}{2} =\frac{2\times 4 +1}{2} =\frac{8+1}{2} ={\frac{9}{2}}$

Decrease in soil weight (ounces)

$= 5\frac{5}{8} =\frac{8\times 5+5}{8} =\frac{40+5}{8} ={\frac{45}{8}}$

So, it means that

$\frac{9}{2} weeks = \frac{45}{8} ounces decrease$

$\implies 1 week = \frac{45}{8} \times \frac{2}{9} ounces decrease$

$implies 1 week= \frac{5}{4} ounces decrease$

$=1\frac{1}{4}$

Average weight decrease per week

$=1\frac{1}{4}Oz$