To solve this problem, let’s perform a step-by-step analysis of the given question.
First, we need to understand and convert the given quantities into workable numbers:
1. Fabric needed for one pillow: Carla needs [tex]\(\frac{3}{8}\)[/tex] yard of fabric to make one small pillow.
2. Total fabric available: Carla has [tex]\(4 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex] yards of fabric. We can convert this mixed number into an improper fraction. Alternatively, it's often easier to deal with decimals in such contexts, so let's convert it to its decimal form directly.
[tex]\(4 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex] is equivalent to [tex]\(4 + \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex], which equals [tex]\(4 + 0.5 = 4.5\)[/tex] yards.
Next, to find out how many pillows Carla can make, we need to divide the total fabric available by the fabric needed for one pillow:
3. Total number of pillows:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of pillows} = \frac{\text{Total fabric available}}{\text{Fabric needed for one pillow}}
\][/tex]
Substituting the known values:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of pillows} = \frac{4.5 \text{ yards}}{0.375 \text{ yards/pillow}}
\][/tex]
Let’s simplify this division:
[tex]\[
\frac{4.5}{0.375} = 12
\][/tex]
Thus, Carla can make 12 pillows from [tex]\(4 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex] yards of fabric.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{12}
\][/tex]
