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)=

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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

a is negative number.

b is negative number.

What is the sum of a+b?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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