Adding Fractions: Calculate 1/8 + 6/8 Hour of Homework Time

Adding Fractions with Same Denominators

Ned spends 18 \frac{1}{8} of an hour doing his language homework and 68 \frac{6}{8} of an hour doing his science homework.

How long does Ned spend doing his homework (as a fraction of an hour)?

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Ned spends 18 \frac{1}{8} of an hour doing his language homework and 68 \frac{6}{8} of an hour doing his science homework.

How long does Ned spend doing his homework (as a fraction of an hour)?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of determining how long Ned spends doing his homework, we need to add the times he spent on language and science homework.

Given:
- Language homework: 18 \frac{1}{8} of an hour
- Science homework: 68 \frac{6}{8} of an hour

Since both times have the same denominator, adding them is straightforward:

18+68=1+68=78 \frac{1}{8} + \frac{6}{8} = \frac{1+6}{8} = \frac{7}{8}

Therefore, Ned spends 78 \frac{7}{8} of an hour doing his homework.

3

Final Answer

78 \frac{7}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Add numerators when denominators are identical
  • Technique: 18+68=1+68=78 \frac{1}{8} + \frac{6}{8} = \frac{1+6}{8} = \frac{7}{8}
  • Check: Verify sum makes sense: 1 + 6 = 7 parts out of 8 total ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding both numerators and denominators
    Don't add denominators like 1/8 + 6/8 = 7/16! This creates a completely different fraction size. The denominator tells us the piece size stays the same - we're just counting more pieces. Always keep the same denominator and only add the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following:

\( \frac{5}{9}:\frac{7}{18}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't I add the denominators too?

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The denominator shows what size pieces you're working with. Both fractions use eighths, so you're still counting eighths! Adding denominators would change the piece size completely.

What if the denominators were different?

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Then you'd need to find a common denominator first. Convert both fractions so they have the same bottom number, then add the numerators.

Do I need to simplify 7/8?

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Check if the numerator and denominator share any common factors. Since 7 and 8 don't share factors other than 1, 78 \frac{7}{8} is already simplified!

How can I picture this problem?

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Imagine a clock! Ned spent 1 eighth of an hour (7.5 minutes) on language and 6 eighths (45 minutes) on science. Together that's 7 eighths or 52.5 minutes total.

What if my answer seems too big?

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Always check if your answer makes sense! Since Ned spent 1/8 + 6/8 hours, the total should be less than one full hour, and 7/8 = 0.875 hours ✓

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