Basic College Mathematics (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134467795
ISBN 13: 978-0-13446-779-5

Chapter 3 - Adding and Subtracting Fractions - 3.4 Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers - 3.4 Exercises - Page 234: 92

Answer

(a) $\displaystyle 8\frac{3}{8}$ (b) $\displaystyle 3\frac{21}{40}$

Work Step by Step

We add or subtract the fractions using both methods: (a) Method 1: $\displaystyle 4\frac{5}{8}+3\frac{3}{4}$ $=\displaystyle 4\frac{5}{8}+3\frac{6}{8}$ $=\displaystyle 7\frac{11}{8}$ $=\displaystyle 8\frac{3}{8}$ Method 2: $\displaystyle 4\frac{5}{8}+3\frac{3}{4}$ $\displaystyle =\frac{37}{8}+\frac{15}{4}$ $\displaystyle =\frac{37}{8}+\frac{30}{8}$ $\displaystyle =\frac{67}{8}$ $\displaystyle =8\frac{3}{8}$ We confirm that we obtained the same answer with both methods. (b) Method 1: $\displaystyle 12\frac{2}{5}-8\frac{7}{8}$ $=\displaystyle 12\frac{16}{40}-8\frac{35}{40}$ $=\displaystyle 11\frac{56}{40}-8\frac{35}{40}$ $=\displaystyle 3\frac{21}{40}$ Method 2: $\displaystyle 12\frac{2}{5}-8\frac{7}{8}$ $=\displaystyle \frac{62}{5}-\frac{71}{8}$ $=\displaystyle \frac{496}{40}-\frac{355}{40}$ $=\displaystyle \frac{141}{40}$ $=\displaystyle 3\frac{21}{40}$ We confirm that we obtained the same answer with both methods. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. In this case, it seems that working with whole numbers is a bit simpler because the numbers are smaller.
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