Solve: Combining (3/8)a + (14/9)b + 1(1/9)b + (6/8)a with Like Terms

Like Terms with Mixed Numbers and Fractions

38a+149b+119b+68a=? \frac{3}{8}a+\frac{14}{9}b+1\frac{1}{9}b+\frac{6}{8}a=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the expression
00:04 Mark the appropriate variables
00:10 Use the commutative law and arrange the appropriate variables together
00:22 Group factors, combine with common denominator
01:07 Convert to mixed fractions
01:10 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

38a+149b+119b+68a=? \frac{3}{8}a+\frac{14}{9}b+1\frac{1}{9}b+\frac{6}{8}a=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Group and simplify terms with the same variable.
  • Step 2: Convert any mixed numbers to improper fractions.
  • Step 3: Find a common denominator to combine fractions.
  • Step 4: Simplify the expression.

Let's work through the steps:
Step 1: Start by grouping like terms. The expression is:
38a+68a+149b+119b \frac{3}{8}a + \frac{6}{8}a + \frac{14}{9}b + 1\frac{1}{9}b .
Step 2: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction. For 119b 1\frac{1}{9}b : 119b=109b 1\frac{1}{9}b = \frac{10}{9}b .
Rewrite the expression: 38a+68a+149b+109b \frac{3}{8}a + \frac{6}{8}a + \frac{14}{9}b + \frac{10}{9}b .
Step 3: Combine the a a -terms and b b -terms separately:
The a a -terms: 38a+68a=(38+68)a=98a \frac{3}{8}a + \frac{6}{8}a = \left(\frac{3}{8} + \frac{6}{8}\right)a = \frac{9}{8}a .
For the b b -terms: 149b+109b=(149+109)b=249b \frac{14}{9}b + \frac{10}{9}b = \left(\frac{14}{9} + \frac{10}{9}\right)b = \frac{24}{9}b .
Simplify 249 \frac{24}{9}: 249=83 \frac{24}{9} = \frac{8}{3} after dividing by the greatest common divisor 3.
Step 4: Combine simplified terms: 98a+83b \frac{9}{8}a + \frac{8}{3}b .
Convert 98a \frac{9}{8}a to a mixed number: 98a=118a \frac{9}{8}a = 1\frac{1}{8}a .
Convert 83b \frac{8}{3}b to a mixed number: 83b=223b \frac{8}{3}b = 2\frac{2}{3}b .
Thus, the simplified expression is: 118a+223b 1\frac{1}{8}a + 2\frac{2}{3}b .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 118a+223b 1\frac{1}{8}a + 2\frac{2}{3}b .

3

Final Answer

118a+223b 1\frac{1}{8}a+2\frac{2}{3}b

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Grouping: Combine terms with the same variable before calculating
  • Conversion: Change 119 1\frac{1}{9} to 109 \frac{10}{9} for easier addition
  • Check: Final answer has proper mixed number form: 118a+223b 1\frac{1}{8}a + 2\frac{2}{3}b

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Trying to combine unlike terms
    Don't add terms with different variables like 38a+149b \frac{3}{8}a + \frac{14}{9}b = wrong combination! These terms can't be simplified together because they have different variables. Always group terms with the same variable first, then combine only within each group.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Are the expressions the same or not?

\( 20x \)

\( 2\times10x \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

+

You can only add terms with the same variable! Think of it like combining 3 apples + 2 oranges - you still have 3 apples and 2 oranges, not 5 apple-oranges.

How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

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Multiply the whole number by the denominator, then add the numerator: 119=(1×9)+19=109 1\frac{1}{9} = \frac{(1×9)+1}{9} = \frac{10}{9}

Do I need to simplify fractions before adding them?

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Not necessary! When fractions have the same denominator (like 38+68 \frac{3}{8} + \frac{6}{8} ), just add the numerators. Simplify at the end if needed.

Should my final answer be in mixed number form?

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It depends on the answer choices! If they show mixed numbers, convert your improper fractions. 98=118 \frac{9}{8} = 1\frac{1}{8} and 83=223 \frac{8}{3} = 2\frac{2}{3}

What if I get confused about which terms to combine?

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Look at the variables! All the 'a' terms go together, all the 'b' terms go together. Use different colors or circles to group them visually.

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