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To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:
Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The expression is . Group like terms together:
.
Step 2: For , find a common denominator for the fractions and , which is 45.
Convert to and to .
Step 3: Add the fractions for :
.
For , find a common denominator, which is 12.
Convert to and to .
Add the fractions for :
.
Step 4: Combine results to express the simplified form:
.
As mixed numbers, the solution becomes:
.
Therefore, the solution to the problem is .
Are the expressions the same or not?
\( 3+3+3+3 \)
\( 3\times4 \)
Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! Adding means adding 2 fifths plus 7 ninths - you need a common denominator to combine them properly.
List multiples of each number: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45... and 9, 18, 27, 36, 45... The first number that appears in both lists is your LCD!
That's okay! Sometimes answers like can't be simplified further. You can leave it as an improper fraction or convert to a mixed number like .
Not necessarily! Both and are correct. Mixed numbers are often easier to understand, but improper fractions work fine too.
No! Terms with different variables are not like terms. You cannot combine and - they must stay separate in your final answer.
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