Questions: 3 1/2 + 1 1/3 = ? Rewrite the expression using sixths. 3 1/2 + 1 1/3 = 4 + 1/2 + 1/3 = 4 + / + /

Solution Steps

First, convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions:

\[ 3 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{7}{2} \]

\[ 1 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{4}{3} \]

The least common multiple of the denominators 2 and 3 is 6. Rewrite each fraction with a denominator of 6:

\[ \frac{7}{2} = \frac{21}{6} \]

\[ \frac{4}{3} = \frac{8}{6} \]

Add the fractions with a common denominator:

\[ \frac{21}{6} + \frac{8}{6} = \frac{29}{6} \]

Convert the improper fraction back to a mixed number:

\[ \frac{29}{6} = 4 \frac{5}{6} \]

Final Answer