16. Olivia is making scarves. Each scarf will have 5 rectangles, and \( \frac{2}{5} \) of the rectangles will be purple. How many purple rectangles does she need for 3 scarves? (4.NF.1)

To find out how many purple rectangles Olivia needs for 3 scarves, we start by calculating the total number of rectangles for 3 scarves. Since each scarf has 5 rectangles, for 3 scarves, that’s \( 3 \times 5 = 15 \) rectangles in total. Next, we know that \( \frac{2}{5} \) of those rectangles will be purple. So, we calculate \( \frac{2}{5} \) of 15: \[ \frac{2}{5} \times 15 = 6 \] Therefore, Olivia needs 6 purple rectangles for 3 scarves. Now let’s have some fun with scarves! Did you know that the scarf has been a popular fashion accessory for centuries? From the ancient Romans who wore them for warmth and practicality to today's runways showcasing stunning designs, scarves have always found a way to make a statement. So not only is Olivia working on something cozy, but she’s also tapping into a rich fashion history! And here’s a tip for Olivia: When counting pieces or working with fractions, it’s really helpful to break down the problem into smaller parts. Always multiply first to find your total, and then apply fractions as needed. It’s a common mistake to forget to find the total before figuring out parts of it, but taking it step by step can save you time and confusion!