We are given that the area of the rectangular garden is 16 square yards and its length is 5(1)/(3) yards. Let the width of the garden be w.

To make calculations straightforward, we convert the mixed fraction 5(1)/(3) into an improper fraction. Multiplying 5 by 3 gives 15, and adding 1 gives (16)/(3).

Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal. Multiplying 16 by (3)/(16) cancels the factor of 16, leaving 3 yards.

If a rectangular garden has a length of 5 1/3 yards and an area of 16 square yards, what is its width?

Answer: The width of the garden is $3\text{ yards}$ .

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: State the given measurements and formula

We are given that the area of the rectangular garden is $16\text{ square yards}$ and its length is $5\frac{1}{3}\text{ yards}$ . Let the width of the garden be $w$ .

Step 2: Convert the mixed fraction to an improper fraction

To make calculations straightforward, we convert the mixed fraction $5\frac{1}{3}$ into an improper fraction. Multiplying $5$ by $3$ gives $15$ , and adding $1$ gives $\frac{16}{3}$ .

Step 3: Set up the equation for width

The width is found by dividing the total area by the length. Substituting the known values gives $16 \div \frac{16}{3}$ .

Step 4: Calculate the width

Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal. Multiplying $16$ by $\frac{3}{16}$ cancels the factor of $16$ , leaving $3\text{ yards}$ .

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