Adding Mixed Numbers: 5 1/4 + 3 2/5
When working with mixed numbers, it's essential to follow the correct steps to get the right answer. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of adding 5 1/4 and 3 2/5.
Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
Before we start adding, let's convert both mixed numbers to improper fractions.
5 1/4
To convert 5 1/4 to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number part (5) by the denominator (4) and then add the numerator (1).
5 × 4 = 20 20 + 1 = 21
So, 5 1/4 = 21/4
3 2/5
To convert 3 2/5 to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number part (3) by the denominator (5) and then add the numerator (2).
3 × 5 = 15 15 + 2 = 17
So, 3 2/5 = 17/5
Adding Improper Fractions
Now that we have our improper fractions, we can add them.
21/4 + 17/5
To add these fractions, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 5, which is 20.
We'll convert both fractions to have a denominator of 20:
21/4 = 105/20 17/5 = 68/20
Now, add the numerators:
105 + 68 = 173
So, 21/4 + 17/5 = 173/20
Simplifying the Answer
We can simplify our answer by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 1.
So, the final answer is:
173/20
There you have it! The result of adding 5 1/4 and 3 2/5 is indeed 173/20.
