Solve the Fraction Expression: 1/4 - 3/4 + 1/2 + 5/10

Fraction Operations with Mixed Denominators

1434+12+510= \frac{1}{4}-\frac{3}{4}+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{5}{10}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:02 Let's combine the fractions into one fraction
00:05 Multiply the half by 5 to get a common denominator
00:09 Reduce each fraction and add
00:11 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

1434+12+510= \frac{1}{4}-\frac{3}{4}+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{5}{10}=

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Simplify fractions if possible.
  • Convert fractions to have a common denominator.
  • Perform the operations in order, while considering appropriate signs.

Let's proceed step-by-step:

First, notice that 510\frac{5}{10} simplifies to 12\frac{1}{2}, as both the numerator and denominator can be divided by 5.
Scheme now becomes:

1434+12+12 \frac{1}{4} - \frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2}

Convert all fractions to have a denominator of 4:

  • 14\frac{1}{4} remains 14\frac{1}{4}.
  • 34\frac{3}{4} remains 34\frac{3}{4}.
  • 12\frac{1}{2} becomes 24\frac{2}{4}.

Our new expression is:

1434+24+24 \frac{1}{4} - \frac{3}{4} + \frac{2}{4} + \frac{2}{4}

Perform the operations in left to right:

1434=24 \frac{1}{4} - \frac{3}{4} = -\frac{2}{4} which simplifies to 12-\frac{1}{2}

Now, combine with the next term:

12+24=0-\frac{1}{2} + \frac{2}{4} = 0

Lastly, add the remaining term:

0+24=120 + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 12\frac{1}{2}.

Thus, the correct answer is 12 \frac{1}{2} , and it corresponds to choice 3.

3

Final Answer

12 \frac{1}{2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Simplify first: Always reduce fractions like 510=12 \frac{5}{10} = \frac{1}{2} before calculating
  • Common denominator: Convert all fractions to same base: 12=24 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4}
  • Check your work: Final answer 12 \frac{1}{2} should equal 0.5 when converted ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions without finding common denominator first
    Don't add 14+12=26 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{6} ! This gives completely wrong results because you can't combine fractions with different denominators directly. Always convert to a common denominator like 4, then add numerators: 14+24=34 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{3}{4} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Complete the following exercise:

\( \frac{3}{4}:\frac{5}{6}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to simplify fractions first?

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Simplifying fractions like 510=12 \frac{5}{10} = \frac{1}{2} makes calculations much easier! It reduces the size of numbers you're working with and helps you spot patterns more quickly.

How do I find the common denominator?

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Look at all denominators in your problem. For 4, 2, and 10, the LCD is 4 since both 2 and 10 can be converted to fourths: 12=24 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4}

What if I get confused with positive and negative signs?

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Write each step clearly! For subtraction like 1434 \frac{1}{4} - \frac{3}{4} , think: "1 minus 3 equals negative 2", so you get 24 -\frac{2}{4}

Can I use decimals instead of fractions?

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Yes! Convert everything to decimals: 0.25 - 0.75 + 0.5 + 0.5 = 0.5. But working with fractions helps you understand the exact relationships better.

How do I check if my final answer is correct?

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Convert your answer to a decimal and see if it makes sense! 12=0.5 \frac{1}{2} = 0.5 , which seems reasonable for this combination of fractions.

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