Evaluate: $1 \frac{2}{5} + 1 \frac{1}{2}$
The expression given is the sum of two mixed numbers: \(1 \frac{2}{5}\) and \(1 \frac{1}{2}\). To add these, we can represent each mixed number in its equivalent improper fraction form. A mixed number of the form \(a \frac{b}{c}\) can be written as the sum \(a + \frac{b}{c}\), which is equal to \(\frac{ac + b}{c}\).
First, we convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions:
\(1 \frac{2}{5} = \frac{1 \times 5 + 2}{5} = \frac{5 + 2}{5} = \frac{7}{5}\)
\(1 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{2 + 1}{2} = \frac{3}{2}\)
Now the sum is \(\frac{7}{5} + \frac{3}{2}\).
To add the fractions \(\frac{7}{5}\) and \(\frac{3}{2}\), we find a common denominator, which is the least common multiple of 5 and 2, which is 10.
We adjust the fractions:
\(\frac{7}{5} = \frac{7 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{14}{10}\)
\(\frac{3}{2} = \frac{3 \times 5}{2 \times 5} = \frac{15}{10}\)
Summing these gives:
\(\frac{14}{10} + \frac{15}{10} = \frac{14 + 15}{10} = \frac{29}{10}\)
Finally, we can convert the improper fraction \(\frac{29}{10}\) back to a mixed number. Dividing 29 by 10, we get 2 with a remainder of 9.
Thus, \(\frac{29}{10} = 2 \frac{9}{10}\), which is also equal to \(2.9\). The final answer is \(\boxed{2 \frac{9}{10}}\).
In daily life, converting mixed numbers is essential for cooking or construction. For instance, if you have a recipe that requires \(1 \frac{2}{5}\) cups of sugar and you decide to add \(1 \frac{1}{2}\) cups more, calculating the total helps you prepare the correct measurement. Converting these to improper fractions, \(\frac{7}{5}\) and \(\frac{3}{2}\), allows you to find the total sum of \(2.9\) cups or \(2 \frac{9}{10}\) cups accurately, ensuring your baking comes out perfectly.