What fraction of the total distance is not covered from the present position?

[chijioke]

Here is my work.
So is my solution correct concerning number 3?

 

[Harry_the_cat]

The question is a little ambiguous. I interpret it as meaning "If he turns around and heads back to school, what fraction of the total distance is he yet to cover".
If so, you would need to subtract 3/20 rather than add.

 

[chijioke]

"If he turns around and heads back to school, what fraction of the total distance is he yet to cover".
If so, you would need to subtract 3/20 rather than add.

What made you think like that?

 

[Dr.Peterson]

He went forward 3/4 of the distance, then back 3/20 of the distance. So you should subtract, not add, to get his current position:

 

[khansaheb]

If 'x' is the distance between home to school

3/4 * x - 3/4 * 1/5 * x = 3/4 * x * (1-1/5) = 3/4 * x * 4/5 = 3/5 * x .........................[ location of boy from home - present position]

 

[chijioke]

So fraction of total distance not covered is 3/5.

 

[Dr.Peterson]

View attachment 35561
So fraction of total distance not covered is 3/5.

I would say that's the total distance covered. They want the distance he still has to go.

 

[khansaheb]

1 - 3/5 = ?

 

[chijioke]

I would say that's the total distance covered. They want the distance he still has to go.

So are you saying that my solution is not correct?

 

[Dr.Peterson]

So are you saying that my solution is not correct?

Yes!

And you've been told exactly how to fix it!

 

[chijioke]

1 - 3/5 = ?

Yes!

And you've been told exactly how to fix it!

View attachment 35581

Yes I have seen it. 1- 3/5=2/5

 

[khansaheb]

Yes I have seen it. 1- 3/5=2/5

Are you satisfied that you have answered parts (1), (2) & (3) ?

 

[chijioke]

Are you satisfied that you have answered parts (1), (2) & (3) ?

Yes.