Solve: 1/4 + 3/4 + 3/20 - 5/10 Fraction Addition and Subtraction

Fraction Operations with Mixed Denominators

14+34+320510= \frac{1}{4}+\frac{3}{4}+\frac{3}{20}-\frac{5}{10}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's solve this problem together!
00:09 We want to find the least common denominator.
00:12 To do this, we'll multiply each fraction by five and three, to get that common denominator.
00:19 Remember, we need to multiply both the top number, called the numerator, and the bottom number, called the denominator.
00:42 Now, let's calculate these multiplications together.
00:59 Next, we add the fractions under the common denominator.
01:13 Let's calculate the new numerator to finish this part.
01:27 And that's how we solve the question! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

14+34+320510= \frac{1}{4}+\frac{3}{4}+\frac{3}{20}-\frac{5}{10}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem, we will find the result of 14+34+320510 \frac{1}{4}+\frac{3}{4}+\frac{3}{20}-\frac{5}{10} by following these steps:

  • Step 1: Combine fractions with the same denominator.
  • Step 2: Find a common denominator for the remaining fractions.
  • Step 3: Perform addition and subtraction accordingly.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Combine 14 \frac{1}{4} and 34 \frac{3}{4} :
Both fractions have the denominator of 4, so we add their numerators:
14+34=44=1 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{3}{4} = \frac{4}{4} = 1 .

Step 2: Deal with the remaining fractions 320 \frac{3}{20} and 12 \frac{1}{2} :
We can change 510 \frac{5}{10} to 12 \frac{1}{2} and find a common denominator of 20 for 12 \frac{1}{2} and 320 \frac{3}{20} :
Convert 12 \frac{1}{2} to 1020 \frac{10}{20} .

Step 3: Now the expression is 1+3201020 1 + \frac{3}{20} - \frac{10}{20} . Simplify the fraction part:
Subtract 1020 \frac{10}{20} from 320 \frac{3}{20} :
3201020=720 \frac{3}{20} - \frac{10}{20} = \frac{-7}{20} .

So the expression becomes 1+720 1 + \frac{-7}{20} . Write 1 as a fraction: 2020 \frac{20}{20} .

Step 4: Now add 2020+720 \frac{20}{20} + \frac{-7}{20} :
2020+720=1320 \frac{20}{20} + \frac{-7}{20} = \frac{13}{20} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1320 \frac{13}{20} . The correct answer choice is (1320 \frac{13}{20} ).

3

Final Answer

1320 \frac{13}{20}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find the LCD before adding or subtracting fractions
  • Technique: Convert 510 \frac{5}{10} to 12 \frac{1}{2} then to 1020 \frac{10}{20}
  • Check: Verify 1320=0.65 \frac{13}{20} = 0.65 matches your calculator result ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 14+34=48 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{3}{4} = \frac{4}{8} ! This ignores the fundamental rule of fraction addition and gives completely wrong answers. Always find a common denominator first, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Complete the following exercise:

\( \frac{3}{4}:\frac{5}{6}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add all the numerators together?

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You can only add numerators when fractions have the same denominator. Different denominators represent different-sized pieces, so you must convert to common pieces first!

What's the fastest way to find the LCD of 4, 20, and 10?

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List the multiples: 4 (4, 8, 12, 16, 20), 20 (20), 10 (10, 20). The LCD is 20 because it's the smallest number all denominators divide into evenly.

Should I simplify fractions before or after calculating?

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Simplify first! Convert 510 \frac{5}{10} to 12 \frac{1}{2} before finding the LCD. This makes the numbers smaller and easier to work with.

How do I know when to add vs subtract in mixed problems?

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Follow the order from left to right and pay attention to the signs. In this problem: add 14+34 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{3}{4} , then add 320 \frac{3}{20} , then subtract 510 \frac{5}{10} .

Can I convert everything to decimals instead?

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Yes, but be careful with rounding errors! 320=0.15 \frac{3}{20} = 0.15 exactly, but some fractions create repeating decimals that might give slightly wrong final answers.

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