Help!! decimal word problem

Question

a fan motor draws 3.468 amperes of current when running. When starting, the fan draws an additional 8.75 amperes of starting current. What is the total current drawn by the fan motor when starting?

 

I've been adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals in class not sure which one to do?

Answer 1

Hi Colin--

 

This one calls for addition, because you need the running current (3.468 amps) and "an additional 8.75 amps..."

 

So...

 

3.468

+

8.750  (you can add the 0 to line up with the 8 above it)

_____

12.218 amps

 

Hope this helps!

 

Matt in NY