Solve: (-3⅓) + (-2.75) - Adding Negative Mixed Numbers and Decimals

Mixed Number Addition with Common Denominators

(326)+(2.75)= (-3\frac{2}{6})+(-2.75)=

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

(326)+(2.75)= (-3\frac{2}{6})+(-2.75)=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll convert both numbers to fractions and then perform the addition:

Step 1: Convert 326-3\frac{2}{6} to an improper fraction.
First, simplify 26\frac{2}{6} to 13\frac{1}{3}:
326=313=(3×3+13)=103-3\frac{2}{6} = -3\frac{1}{3} = -\left(\frac{3 \times 3 + 1}{3}\right) = -\frac{10}{3}.

Step 2: Convert 2.75-2.75 to a fraction.
2.75=275100-2.75 = -2\frac{75}{100}. Simplify 75100\frac{75}{100} to 34\frac{3}{4}:
234=(2×4+34)=114-2\frac{3}{4} = -\left(\frac{2 \times 4 + 3}{4}\right) = -\frac{11}{4}.

Step 3: Find a common denominator and add the fractions.
The common denominator for 3 and 4 is 12.
Convert 103-\frac{10}{3} to 4012-\frac{40}{12} and 114-\frac{11}{4} to 3312-\frac{33}{12}.

Step 4: Add the fractions:
4012+3312=7312-\frac{40}{12} + -\frac{33}{12} = -\frac{73}{12}.

Step 5: Convert 7312-\frac{73}{12} back to a mixed number.
7312=6112-\frac{73}{12} = -6\frac{1}{12}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 6112-6\frac{1}{12}.

3

Final Answer

6112 -6\frac{1}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers and decimals to improper fractions first
  • Technique: Find LCD: 103=4012 \frac{10}{3} = \frac{40}{12} and 114=3312 \frac{11}{4} = \frac{33}{12}
  • Check: Convert back to mixed number: 7312=6112 -\frac{73}{12} = -6\frac{1}{12}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators instead of finding common denominator
    Don't add 103+114=217 \frac{10}{3} + \frac{11}{4} = \frac{21}{7} ! This completely ignores fraction rules and gives meaningless results. Always find the LCD (12) and convert both fractions before adding numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What is the additive inverse number of \( 87 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert the decimal -2.75 to a fraction?

+

Converting -2.75 to a fraction lets you work with the same type of numbers! It's much easier to add 103+(114) -\frac{10}{3} + (-\frac{11}{4}) than mixing fractions with decimals.

How do I know what the LCD is for 3 and 4?

+

Find the Least Common Multiple of the denominators. For 3 and 4: multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12... and multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12... So LCD = 12.

Can I just add the whole number parts and fraction parts separately?

+

No! When adding negative mixed numbers, you must convert to improper fractions first. Adding parts separately ignores the negative signs and gives wrong answers.

Why is my final answer negative?

+

Both original numbers are negative: (313)+(2.75) (-3\frac{1}{3}) + (-2.75) . When you add two negative numbers, the result is always more negative than either original number.

How do I convert -73/12 back to a mixed number?

+

Divide: 73 ÷ 12 = 6 remainder 1. Since the original fraction was negative, write it as 6112 -6\frac{1}{12} . The negative sign applies to the whole mixed number.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Signed Numbers (Positive and Negative) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations