1. We are asked to write an equation relating $p$, the number of pages read, and $m$, the number of minutes spent reading. 2. From the problem, we know she reads 3 pages in 8 minutes. 3. To express this relationship, assume that the reading rate (pages per minute) is constant. 4. The reading rate can be calculated as $\frac{3 \text{ pages}}{8 \text{ minutes}} = \frac{3}{8}$ pages per minute. 5. Therefore, the number of pages read $p$ after $m$ minutes can be written as: $$p = \frac{3}{8} m$$ This equation shows that the number of pages read is proportional to the number of minutes spent reading, with the constant of proportionality being $\frac{3}{8}$ pages per minute. 6. The problem also specifies not to use mixed numbers, and $\frac{3}{8}$ is already a proper fraction, so the equation is in the desired form. Final equation: $$p = \frac{3}{8} m$$