# Math Help - Fractions

1. ## Fractions

Hi.
Can you help me solve this question?

One layer of tinting material on a window cuts out 1/5 of the sun's UV rays.
(a) What fraction would be cut out by using two layers?
(b) How many layers would be required to cut out at least 9/10 of the sun's UV rays?

2. Hello ipokeyou
Originally Posted by ipokeyou
Hi.
Can you help me solve this question?

One layer of tinting material on a window cuts out 1/5 of the sun's UV rays.
(a) What fraction would be cut out by using two layers?
(b) How many layers would be required to cut out at least 9/10 of the sun's UV rays?

(a) If one layer cuts out $\frac15$ of the UV, then it must allow $\frac45$ through. Of this, $\frac45$ will be allowed through by a second layer. So, of the original quantity of UV the fraction allowed through by two layers will be:
$\frac45\times\frac45 = \frac{16}{25}$
Therefore $1 - \frac{16}{25}= \frac{9}{25}$ will have been cut out.

(b) Similarly, if there are $n$ layers, the fraction allowed through will be $\left(\frac45\right)^n$. And the fraction cut out will be
$1-\left(\frac45\right)^n$
So we want the smallest integer value of n for which
$1-\left(\frac45\right)^n\ge\frac{9}{10}$

$\Rightarrow \left(\frac45\right)^n\le\frac{1}{10}$
If you understand how to take logs of both sides, you can solve this inequality that way. Or you can simply use your calculator until you get the answer. Either way, I think it's 11 layers.