Five holes are evenly spaced in a piece of 3/4" steel plate. Have answer need explanation as to how.

Question

Calculate the centre-to-centre distance between holes.

From the first hole to the fifth hole the distances are 15 3/4".

May someone please explain how the answer is 3 15/16 thanks.

Answer 1

If you draw a picture the answer will become clear. There are 4 equal spaces between the 5 holes. 15¾" as an improper fraction is 63/4". Divide by 4 to find the equal spacing: 63/16"=3¹⁵/₁₆".