If a postcard measures 5½ inches long by 3½ inches high, what is its aspect ratio?

To determine the aspect ratio of a postcard measuring 5½ inches by 3½ inches, you divide the length by the height. The length of the postcard is 5.5 inches, and the height is 3.5 inches.

Calculating the aspect ratio involves the following steps:

1. Convert the measurements into a fraction:

Aspect Ratio = Length / Height = 5.5 / 3.5

2. Simplifying this fraction:

• Both 5.5 and 3.5 can be expressed as fractions of integers for easier calculation. 5.5 can be rewritten as 11/2 and 3.5 as 7/2. Therefore:

Aspect Ratio = (11/2) / (7/2) = 11/7

3. Now divide 11 by 7 to get the decimal representation:

11 / 7 ≈ 1.571428571

Rounding this result gives approximately 1.57, which corresponds to the choice provided.

The aspect ratio is an important concept as it indicates the proportional relationship between the width and height of the postcard, which can influence design and layout considerations in business mail. Understanding aspect ratios is crucial for