12. Higher Order Thinking Veronica needs to buy \( 1 \frac{3}{4} \) pounds of cheese. When the clerk places some cheese in a container and weighs it, the scale shows \( 1 \frac{1}{4} \) pounds. The container weighs \( \frac{1}{16} \) pound. How many more pounds of cheese should be added to the scale to get the amount that Veronica needs? Explain how you solved the problem.

To find out how much more cheese is needed, first convert all the mixed numbers to improper fractions for easier calculation. Veronica needs \( 1 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{7}{4} \) pounds of cheese. The clerk has weighed \( 1 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{5}{4} \) pounds of cheese in the container, but since the container itself weighs \( \frac{1}{16} \) pounds, we need to find just the cheese weight. To do this, subtract the container's weight from the total weight: \[ \frac{5}{4} - \frac{1}{16} \] Convert \( \frac{5}{4} \) to sixteenths: \(\frac{5}{4} = \frac{20}{16}\). Now subtract: \[ \frac{20}{16} - \frac{1}{16} = \frac{19}{16} \] Now, determine how much more cheese is needed by subtracting the weight of the current cheese from Veronica's requirement: \[ \frac{7}{4} - \frac{19}{16} \] Convert \( \frac{7}{4} \) to sixteenths as well: \(\frac{7}{4} = \frac{28}{16}\). Now subtract: \[ \frac{28}{16} - \frac{19}{16} = \frac{9}{16} \] Veronica needs an additional \( \frac{9}{16} \) pounds of cheese. For extra fun, here’s a whimsical tip: Next time you’re at the deli counter, bring a mini-scale! Nothing like a practical gadget to ensure you’re getting your desired amount of cheese—say “cheese” as you weigh, and you’ll be all set for that perfect sandwich! Oh, and if you're wondering how to avoid mix-ups, practice converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions—it’s like learning a secret cheese code to unlock better calculations in your kitchen quests!