# Thread: A problem with fractions.

1. ## A problem with fractions.

Problem 1.

Renee used 1/3 of a length of pipe and later used 2/3 of what remained.
What fraction of the pipe is left?

Could you help me solve it?
I figured out the answer in diagram form but i am pretty sure there would be a more logical way to solve it. Please help because this is my math homework. Should be easy for some people because it was from a year nine textbook.
The answer in the back of the text book said 2/9
I need to show the working out and i would like to know how. So an explanation would be good

Thanks. Im a yr nine student by the way.

2. ## Re: A problem with fractions.

What is one minus one third then minus the result of two thirds by two thirds.

3. ## Re: A problem with fractions.

So the answer is zero out of zero?
I got that answer as well, but when i checked in the back of the book it was 2 out of 9 (2/9)

That is the real answer but the teacher wants the working out.
Would you know how to do that and could you explain it aswell?
Thanks for helping by the way.
I really do appreciate it.

4. ## Re: A problem with fractions.

Try $\displaystyle 1-\left(\frac{1}{3}+\frac{2}{3}\times \frac{2}{3}\right)$

remember $\displaystyle \frac{a}{b}+\frac{c}{d}= \frac{ad+cb}{bd}$

5. ## Re: A problem with fractions.

Thanks.
But could you explain how you got 1- (1/3 + 2/3 x 2/3)

I would just like to know the explanation of how to do it.
THat way i feel like i have learnt something.