sarah worked 3 2/3 hours on Friday and 8 1/2 hours on Saturday. how many hours did she work?

Answer 1

First, add your two whole numbers: 3 + 8 = 11

Next, add the two fractions: 2/3 + 1/2

In order to add fractions, they have to have the same denominator (bottom number). Since 3 and 2 are different, you need to find a number that 3 and 2 will both divide into equally. That number is 6.

2/3 = x/6

In order to change the 3 into a 6, you multiply by 2. If you do it on the bottom, you also do it on the top: 2 x 2 = 4. So 2/3 = 4/6.

Do the same thing with 1/2. You multiply the bottom by 3 to get 6. Multiply the top by 3 also. 1/2 = 3/6.

Now you can add 4/6 + 3/6. Add across the top and keep the 6 on the bottom: 7/6.

Since the numerator is bigger than the denominator (improper fraction), you divide the bottom into the top. 6 goes into 7 one time, with one left over. 7/6 = 1 1/6.

Add 1 1/6 to the whole number 11 from earlier.

Sarah worked. 12 1/6 hours.