Solve: -5 + (-1/2) + 10 + (-3/4) | Mixed Number Operations

Adding Mixed Integers with Unlike Fractions

5+12+10+(34)= -5+-\frac{1}{2}+10+(-\frac{3}{4})=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's begin by solving the problem.
00:09 First, we'll use the commutative law to rearrange the expression.
00:28 Next, we'll calculate each operation one at a time, moving from left to right.
00:37 Now, let's multiply the fraction by two to find a common denominator.
00:53 Then, we subtract the fractions.
01:05 We'll convert the whole number into a proper fraction with a common denominator.
01:14 After that, we add the fractions together.
01:24 And that's how we find the solution to the problem. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

5+12+10+(34)= -5+-\frac{1}{2}+10+(-\frac{3}{4})=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify the integers using addition.
  • Step 2: Simplify the fractions, ensuring a common denominator before adding.
  • Step 3: Combine results from integers and fractions for the final answer.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: Combine the integers 5 -5 and 10 10 .

5+10=5 -5 + 10 = 5

Step 2: Simplify and add the fractions 12-\frac{1}{2} and 34-\frac{3}{4}.

To add the fractions, we need a common denominator. The denominators are 2 and 4. The least common denominator is 4.

Convert 12-\frac{1}{2} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 4:

12=24-\frac{1}{2} = -\frac{2}{4}

Now add 24-\frac{2}{4} and 34-\frac{3}{4}:

24+34=54-\frac{2}{4} + -\frac{3}{4} = -\frac{5}{4}

Step 3: Combine the result of the integer addition and the fraction addition.

The integer result is 5 and the fraction result is 54-\frac{5}{4}. Convert 5 to a fraction with the same denominator:

5=2045 = \frac{20}{4}

Combine the fractions:

204+54=2054=154\frac{20}{4} + -\frac{5}{4} = \frac{20 - 5}{4} = \frac{15}{4}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 154 \frac{15}{4} .

3

Final Answer

154 \frac{15}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Order: Group integers separately from fractions before combining
  • Technique: Find LCD for fractions: 12=24 -\frac{1}{2} = -\frac{2}{4} then add
  • Check: Convert final answer back: 154=334 \frac{15}{4} = 3\frac{3}{4} makes sense ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions without finding common denominators
    Don't add 12+(34)=46 -\frac{1}{2} + (-\frac{3}{4}) = -\frac{4}{6} ! This adds numerators and denominators incorrectly, giving wrong results. Always find the LCD first, then convert all fractions before adding.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{4}= \)\( \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Should I work left to right or group similar terms first?

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Group similar terms! It's much easier to combine all integers first (5+10=5 -5 + 10 = 5 ), then all fractions, rather than working strictly left to right.

How do I find the LCD when denominators are 2 and 4?

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Since 4 is a multiple of 2, the LCD is simply 4. Convert 12 -\frac{1}{2} to 24 -\frac{2}{4} by multiplying both numerator and denominator by 2.

Why is my answer positive when I'm adding negative numbers?

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Look carefully! You have both positive and negative numbers. The positive 10 is larger than all the negative values combined, so your final result is positive.

Can I convert everything to decimals instead?

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You could, but be careful with rounding errors. 34=0.75 -\frac{3}{4} = -0.75 exactly, but if you round to -0.8, your final answer will be wrong.

Should I convert my final answer to a mixed number?

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Not unless the problem asks for it! 154 \frac{15}{4} is perfectly acceptable as an improper fraction. Both 154 \frac{15}{4} and 334 3\frac{3}{4} are correct.

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