A ship is running at 14 3/4 knots (nautical miles per hour) for 7 1/2 hours. How far does the ship travel?
To calculate the distance traveled by the ship, we need to multiply the speed of the ship (in knots) by the total time traveled (in hours).
Given that the ship is running at 14 3/4 knots and the total time is 7 1/2 hours, we can calculate the distance traveled as follows:
Step 1: Convert the mixed number 14 3/4 to an improper fraction.
14 3/4 = (4 * 14 + 3) / 4 = 55/4
Step 2: Multiply the speed in knots by the total time in hours.
Distance = Speed * Time
Distance = 55/4 knots * 7 1/2 hours
To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators (top numbers), and multiply the denominators (bottom numbers).
Step 3: Simplify the result, if necessary.
Distance = (55/4) * (15/2)
Distance = 825/8
Therefore, the ship travels a distance of 825/8 nautical miles.