The problem gives a distance with a fraction (not a decimal); there is absolutely no reason to convert it to a decimal. In 4 days, Val walks: 4*(2 3/5) miles 4*(13/5) miles [convert to improper fraction] 52/5 miles 10 2/5 miles [convert to mixed number] Compare that to Bill, who runs 10 miles every 4 days. Val runs a greater distance.