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To solve this problem, we'll add two mixed numbers, and , by following these steps:
Let's carry out each step in detail:
Step 1: Convert to Improper Fractions
For , convert to: .
For , convert to: .
Step 2: Find the Common Denominator
The denominators are 3 and 4. The least common multiple (LCM) is 12.
Convert to a denominator of 12: .
Convert to a denominator of 12: .
Step 3: Add the Fractions
Add and :
.
Step 4: Convert to a Mixed Number
Divide 71 by 12. The quotient is 5 and the remainder is 11, so:
.
Therefore, the solution to the problem is .
\( 5:\frac{2}{5}= \)
Converting to improper fractions makes addition much easier! You can directly find a common denominator and add, rather than juggling whole numbers and fractions separately.
List the multiples: 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15... and 4: 4, 8, 12, 16... The first number that appears in both lists is 12!
That's normal! Always convert improper fractions back to mixed numbers for your final answer. Divide the numerator by denominator: quotient becomes the whole number, remainder becomes the new numerator.
Only if the fractions don't need borrowing! In this case, which is less than 1, so you could add 4 + 1 = 5, then add . But the improper fraction method is more reliable.
Find the GCD of 11 and 12. Since 11 is prime and doesn't divide 12, the GCD is 1. So is already in lowest terms!
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