Solve Mixed Number Addition: 10½ + 5⅕ Step-by-Step

Mixed Number Addition with Different Denominators

1012+515= 10\frac{1}{2}+5\frac{1}{5}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 First convert mixed numbers to fractions
00:56 Multiply each fraction by the second denominator to find the common denominator
01:06 Calculate the multiplications
01:22 Add with the common denominator
01:30 Now convert to mixed number
01:39 Break down 157 into 150 plus 7
01:47 Break down the fraction into whole number and remainder
01:53 Convert whole fraction to whole number, and combine with mixed number
02:04 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

1012+515= 10\frac{1}{2}+5\frac{1}{5}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Add the whole numbers 10 10 and 5 5 .
  • Step 2: Find a common denominator for the fractions 12 \frac{1}{2} and 15 \frac{1}{5} , and add them.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Adding the whole numbers gives us:
10+5=15 10 + 5 = 15

Step 2: To add the fractions 12 \frac{1}{2} and 15 \frac{1}{5} , we need a common denominator. The least common multiple of 2 and 5 is 10.

Convert each fraction to have this common denominator:

  • Convert 12 \frac{1}{2} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 10:
    12=1×52×5=510 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 5}{2 \times 5} = \frac{5}{10}
  • Convert 15 \frac{1}{5} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 10:
    15=1×25×2=210 \frac{1}{5} = \frac{1 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{2}{10}

Now, add these fractions:
510+210=5+210=710 \frac{5}{10} + \frac{2}{10} = \frac{5 + 2}{10} = \frac{7}{10}

Finally, combine the whole number part with the fractional part:
15+710=15710 15 + \frac{7}{10} = 15\frac{7}{10}

Thus, the solution to the problem is 15710 15\frac{7}{10} .

3

Final Answer

15710 15\frac{7}{10}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Add whole numbers separately, then add fractions with common denominator
  • Technique: Convert 12 \frac{1}{2} to 510 \frac{5}{10} and 15 \frac{1}{5} to 210 \frac{2}{10}
  • Check: Verify 15710=15+510+210 15\frac{7}{10} = 15 + \frac{5}{10} + \frac{2}{10} equals original sum ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions without finding common denominator first
    Don't add 12+15=27 \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{5} = \frac{2}{7} by adding numerators and denominators! This gives 1527 15\frac{2}{7} which is completely wrong. Always find the LCD (10) and convert both fractions before adding.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 8\times\frac{5}{9}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add 1/2 + 1/5 directly?

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You can only add fractions when they have the same denominator! Think of it like adding different units - you can't add 2 apples + 3 oranges to get 5 apples. Convert both fractions to tenths first.

How do I find the common denominator for 2 and 5?

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Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of 2 and 5. Since they share no common factors, multiply them: 2 × 5 = 10. So 10 is your common denominator.

What if the fraction part adds up to more than 1?

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Great question! If your fractions add up to 1210 \frac{12}{10} or more, convert the improper fraction: 1210=1210 \frac{12}{10} = 1\frac{2}{10} , then add that 1 to your whole number part.

Do I need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes! Always check if your fraction can be simplified. In this case, 710 \frac{7}{10} is already in lowest terms since 7 and 10 share no common factors.

Can I convert mixed numbers to improper fractions instead?

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Absolutely! That's another valid method. Convert 1012=212 10\frac{1}{2} = \frac{21}{2} and 515=265 5\frac{1}{5} = \frac{26}{5} , find common denominator, add, then convert back to mixed number.

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