Question

7 1/2+3 5/8

Answer 1

You are adding mixed fractions.
The fractional parts have different denominators, namely 2 and 8. You must find the lowest common denominator (LCD). That is the smallest number that both 2 and 8 can be divided in.

You're in luck because 8 can be divided by 8 and 2, in this problem 8 is the LCD

Answer 2

Convert the fractions to fractions with denominator of 8. 5/8 already has the LCD. To convert 1/2 to a fraction with denominator you have to think. 1/2 = ?/8. There is a rule if you multiply both the top and bottom of a fraction by the same number the new fraction is equivalent to the old fraction.

What do you have multiply 2 by to make it an 8??

Answer 3

The number 4 works, 2x4=8, don't forget we need to multiply the top (numerator) by 4 also. 1x4=4 our new fraction is now 4/8 which can be directly added to 5/8 giving 9/8. 9/8 is an improper fraction (it's top heavy). Since 9 is larger than the 8, this fraction contains a whole number, the number 1 is 8/8 we can subtract 8/8 from 9/8 giving avalue of 1 thus 9/8 is 1 1/8. Next add the whole numbers 7+3+1 (from the top heavy fraction) =11 final answer is: 11 1/8