Solve Mixed Number Expression: 3(b/a)×1⅜a + ⅝b + Other Terms

Mixed Numbers with Algebraic Simplification

3ba138a+58b+418m+910a+23m=? 3\frac{b}{a}\cdot1\frac{3}{8}a+\frac{5}{8}b+\frac{4}{18}m+\frac{9}{10}a+\frac{2}{3}m=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the expression
00:06 Convert mixed fraction to simple fraction
00:30 Move all multiplications to numerator
00:50 Reduce what's possible
01:10 Mark the appropriate variables
01:15 Group terms, combine with common denominator
01:30 Use the substitution rule and arrange the appropriate variables together
01:46 Expand the fraction to find the common denominator
01:51 Make sure to multiply both numerator and denominator
02:00 Convert to mixed fraction
02:03 Group terms, combine with common denominator
02:14 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

3ba138a+58b+418m+910a+23m=? 3\frac{b}{a}\cdot1\frac{3}{8}a+\frac{5}{8}b+\frac{4}{18}m+\frac{9}{10}a+\frac{2}{3}m=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll simplify the algebraic expression and combine like terms:

  • Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and simplify.
  • Simplify each part of the expression.
  • Combine like terms by variable type.

Let's go through each step:

First, convert and simplify 3ba138a3\frac{b}{a} \cdot 1\frac{3}{8}a: - Change 1381\frac{3}{8} to an improper fraction: 138=1181\frac{3}{8} = \frac{11}{8}.

Thus, multiply: 3ba118a=33b83\frac{b}{a} \cdot \frac{11}{8}a = \frac{33b}{8}.

Then, look at each term:

  • The expression now consists of: 33b8+58b+910a+418m+23m \frac{33b}{8} + \frac{5}{8}b + \frac{9}{10}a + \frac{4}{18}m + \frac{2}{3}m .
  • Simplify each component: - 418m=29m\frac{4}{18}m = \frac{2}{9}m (reducing the fraction).
  • Now, add like terms: - Combine terms involving bb: 33b8+5b8=33b+5b8=38b8=434b\frac{33b}{8} + \frac{5b}{8} = \frac{33b + 5b}{8} = \frac{38b}{8} = 4\frac{3}{4}b.
  • There are no like terms with aa, so 910a\frac{9}{10}a remains unchanged.
  • Combine terms involving mm: 29m+23m=2m9+6m9=8m9\frac{2}{9}m + \frac{2}{3}m = \frac{2m}{9} + \frac{6m}{9} = \frac{8m}{9}.

After the simplification, the expression becomes: 434b+910a+89m4\frac{3}{4}b + \frac{9}{10}a + \frac{8}{9}m.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 434b+910a+89m4\frac{3}{4}b + \frac{9}{10}a + \frac{8}{9}m.

3

Final Answer

434b+910a+89m 4\frac{3}{4}b+\frac{9}{10}a+\frac{8}{9}m

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Convert: Change mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying
  • Technique: 138=118 1\frac{3}{8} = \frac{11}{8} makes multiplication easier
  • Check: Combine like terms by variable: 33b8+5b8=38b8=434b \frac{33b}{8} + \frac{5b}{8} = \frac{38b}{8} = 4\frac{3}{4}b

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not converting mixed numbers before multiplying
    Don't multiply 3ba×138a 3\frac{b}{a} \times 1\frac{3}{8}a directly = incorrect calculation! You'll get confused and multiply wrong parts together. Always convert 138 1\frac{3}{8} to 118 \frac{11}{8} first, then multiply systematically.

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

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

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Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, then put it over the original denominator. For 138 1\frac{3}{8} : (1 × 8) + 3 = 11, so it becomes 118 \frac{11}{8} .

Why can't I just work with mixed numbers directly?

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Mixed numbers make multiplication much more complicated because you have to deal with whole and fractional parts separately. Converting to improper fractions lets you multiply in one simple step!

How do I know which terms are like terms?

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Like terms have the exact same variables with the same powers. In this problem: all b terms go together, all a terms go together, and all m terms go together.

What if I get a huge fraction after multiplying?

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That's normal! Just reduce the fraction to simplest form, then convert back to a mixed number if needed. 388=468=434 \frac{38}{8} = 4\frac{6}{8} = 4\frac{3}{4} after simplifying.

Do I need to put my final answer in any special order?

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Yes! Write terms in alphabetical order by variable: a terms first, then b terms, then m terms. This makes your answer easier to read and compare.

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