Chapter 6: Problem 46
Add and subtract as indicated. $$\frac{5}{8}+\frac{3}{4}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sum is \(1\frac{3}{8}\).
Step by step solution
01
Find a Common Denominator
Identify the denominators of the fractions, which are 8 and 4. The least common multiple of 8 and 4 is 8, so this will be our common denominator.
02
Convert Fractions to Have the Same Denominator
We already have \( \frac{5}{8} \) with the denominator of 8. Now convert \( \frac{3}{4} \) to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 8 by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by 2: \( \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{2}{2} = \frac{6}{8} \).
03
Add the Fractions
Now that the fractions \( \frac{5}{8} \) and \( \frac{6}{8} \) have the same denominator, we can add them by adding their numerators: \( \frac{5+6}{8} = \frac{11}{8} \).
04
Simplify the Result
\( \frac{11}{8} \) is an improper fraction. Convert it to a mixed number by dividing 11 by 8. 11 divided by 8 is 1 with a remainder of 3, so \( \frac{11}{8} = 1\frac{3}{8} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Denominator
When dealing with fractions, finding a common denominator is a crucial step. Consider the fractions in the problem, such as \( \frac{5}{8} \) and \( \frac{3}{4} \). Their denominators, 8 and 4, need to match for us to perform operations like addition or subtraction. The denominator reflects how many equal parts make up one whole.
- To find a common denominator, you determine the least common multiple (LCM) of the individual denominators.
- In this case, the denominators 8 and 4 have a least common multiple of 8.
- This means both fractions can be expressed with the same denominator of 8.
Equivalent Fractions
Equivalent fractions are different fractions that represent the same value. Imagine cutting a pizza: whether it's in eight slices or four, the pizza's size remains the same if you eat half.
To manipulate a fraction without changing its value, we scale both the numerator and denominator equally. For example, converting \( \frac{3}{4} \) to a fraction with a denominator of 8 involves multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 2. This yields:
To manipulate a fraction without changing its value, we scale both the numerator and denominator equally. For example, converting \( \frac{3}{4} \) to a fraction with a denominator of 8 involves multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 2. This yields:
- \( \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{2}{2} = \frac{6}{8} \)
- The fractions \( \frac{3}{4} \) and \( \frac{6}{8} \) are equivalent.
Improper Fractions
An improper fraction occurs when the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. This signifies that the fraction represents a value greater than one. For instance, after adding \( \frac{5}{8} \) and \( \frac{6}{8} \), the result \( \frac{11}{8} \) is an improper fraction. This indicates that our sum exceeds the whole. To convert it to a mixed number, perform the following:
- Divide the numerator by the denominator: 11 divided by 8 gives 1 with a remainder of 3.
- This can be rewritten as a mixed number: \( 1\frac{3}{8} \).
- The whole number 1 represents the complete wholes, and \( \frac{3}{8} \) is the remaining part.