Simplify: -1 1/8 + 5 3/4

Question

 I need your help about this fractions. 

Answer 1

Hi Natalie, to simplify this you need to change the mixed fractions into improper fractions.

 

-1 1/8 becomes -9/8

 

5 3/4 becomes 23/4

 

Next you need to find a common denominator:

 

The common denominator for 4 and 8 is 8. we need to multiply 23/4 by 2/2, giving 46/8.

 

Answer:

 

-9/8 + 46/8 = (-9 + 46) / 8 = 37/8

 

Return the improper fraction to a mixed fraction:

 

Divide 37 by 8 giving 4 and 5/8.

 

Simplified:

 

4 5/8

 

Questions?