Verified Answer :

  • Convert the mixed numbers \(4 \frac{5}{8}\) and \(2 \frac{2}{3}\) to improper fractions: \(\frac{37}{8}\) and \(\frac{8}{3}\).
  • Find a common denominator, which is 24, and rewrite the fractions as \(\frac{111}{24}\) and \(\frac{64}{24}\).
  • Sum the fractions to get \(\frac{175}{24}\).
  • Convert the result back to a mixed number to get \(\boxed{7 \frac{7}{24}}\).

Explanation

  1. Analysis of the Problem

To calculate the sum of two mixed numbers \(4 \frac{5}{8}\) and \(2 \frac{2}{3}\), we first analyze the structure of mixed numbers. A mixed number is composed of a whole number part and a fractional part. For example, \(A \frac{B}{C}\) is equivalent to the sum \(A + \frac{B}{C}\). Our objective is to find the total sum, simplify it, and express it back as a mixed number. We will use the common denominator method to perform the addition.

  1. Converting to Improper Fractions

First, we convert both mixed numbers into improper fractions.
For \(4 \frac{5}{8}\):
\[4 \frac{5}{8} = 4 + \frac{5}{8} = \frac{4 \times 8 + 5}{8} = \frac{32 + 5}{8} = \frac{37}{8}\]
For \(2 \frac{2}{3}\):
\[2 \frac{2}{3} = 2 + \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2 \times 3 + 2}{3} = \frac{6 + 2}{3} = \frac{8}{3}\]

  1. Adding Fractions with a Common Denominator

To add the fractions \(\frac{37}{8}\) and \(\frac{8}{3}\), we find a common denominator. The least common multiple of the denominators 8 and 3 is 24.
We rewrite each fraction with 24 as the denominator:
\[\frac{37}{8} = \frac{37 \times 3}{8 \times 3} = \frac{111}{24}\]
\[\frac{8}{3} = \frac{8 \times 8}{3 \times 8} = \frac{64}{24}\]
Now, we add the two fractions together:
\[\frac{111}{24} + \frac{64}{24} = \frac{111 + 64}{24} = \frac{175}{24}\]

  1. Final Conversion and Conclusion

Finally, we convert the improper fraction \(\frac{175}{24}\) back into a mixed number. We divide 175 by 24:
\[175 \div 24 = 7 \text{ with a remainder of } 175 - (24 \times 7) = 175 - 168 = 7\]
Thus, the improper fraction is equivalent to \(7 \frac{7}{24}\).
Therefore, \(4 \frac{5}{8} + 2 \frac{2}{3} = \boxed{7 \frac{7}{24}}\).

Examples

In daily life, such calculations are frequent in culinary arts or construction. For instance, if a recipe calls for \(4 \frac{5}{8}\) cups of flour for one batch of cookies and \(2 \frac{2}{3}\) cups for another smaller batch, you can add them to determine that you need \(7 \frac{7}{24}\) cups in total to combine the batches. This mathematical skill is essential for managing resources efficiently in various practical tasks.