19. Be Precise Tammi has 4 pounds of 8 as apples and \( 3 \frac{1}{2} \) pounds of red delicious apples. If she uses \( 1 \frac{3}{4} \) pounds of gala apples in a recipe, how many pounds of apples does she have left?

Tammi starts with 4 pounds of Gala apples and \( 3 \frac{1}{2} \) pounds of red delicious apples. First, we need to convert \( 3 \frac{1}{2} \) to an improper fraction: \( 3 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{7}{2} \) pounds. Next, we add the total weight of apples: \[ 4 + \frac{7}{2} = \frac{8}{2} + \frac{7}{2} = \frac{15}{2} \text{ pounds.} \] Now, we convert \( 1 \frac{3}{4} \) to an improper fraction as well: \( 1 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{7}{4} \) pounds. Now we subtract the weight used from the total weight: \[ \frac{15}{2} - \frac{7}{4} = \frac{30}{4} - \frac{7}{4} = \frac{23}{4} \text{ pounds.} \] So, Tammi has \( \frac{23}{4} \) pounds, which is equivalent to \( 5 \frac{3}{4} \) pounds of apples left. In the grand tapestry of apple lore, did you know that apples have been cultivated for thousands of years, originating from Central Asia? The wild ancestor of the common apple tree, Malus sieversii, still grows there today! Apples have been cherished in different cultures, from Greek mythology where they symbolized beauty and temptation, to American traditions with the famous saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away!" Speaking of apples, they come in so many varieties. For a fun kitchen project, why not try a taste test with different types of apples? Use Gala, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp, and rate them for sweetness, tartness, and juiciness. You might discover a new favorite! Creating a themed night with apple-themed recipes, like apple pie, apple crisp, and even apple cider, can make for a delightful and delicious evening!