Verified Answer :

  • Separate each mixed number into its integer and fractional parts: \(3 + \frac{5}{6}\) and \(2 + \frac{7}{8}\).
  • Find the least common denominator of 6 and 8, which is 24, to combine the fractions: \(\frac{20}{24} + \frac{21}{24} = \frac{41}{24}\).
  • Convert the improper fraction \(\frac{41}{24}\) to the mixed number \(1 \frac{17}{24}\).
  • Add the integer parts and the mixed fraction to get the total: \(5 + 1 \frac{17}{24} = \boxed{6 \frac{17}{24}}\).

Explanation

  1. Representing mixed numbers as sums

To add the two mixed numbers \(3 \frac{5}{6}\) and \(2 \frac{7}{8}\), we first express each mixed number as the sum of its integer part and its fractional part.
A mixed number \(A \frac{B}{C}\) is defined as \(A + \frac{B}{C}\).
Thus, we have:
\[3 \frac{5}{6} = 3 + \frac{5}{6}\]
\[2 \frac{7}{8} = 2 + \frac{7}{8}\]

  1. Grouping terms and finding a common denominator

Now, we group the integer parts and the fractional parts together:
\[\left(3 + \frac{5}{6}\right) + \left(2 + \frac{7}{8}\right) = (3 + 2) + \left(\frac{5}{6} + \frac{7}{8}\right) = 5 + \left(\frac{5}{6} + \frac{7}{8}\right)\]
To add the fractions \(\frac{5}{6}\) and \(\frac{7}{8}\), we need to find a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of 6 and 8 is 24.

  1. Converting and adding fractions

We convert each fraction to have a denominator of 24:
\[\frac{5}{6} = \frac{5 \times 4}{6 \times 4} = \frac{20}{24}\]
\[\frac{7}{8} = \frac{7 \times 3}{8 \times 3} = \frac{21}{24}\]
Adding these fractions together:
\[\frac{20}{24} + \frac{21}{24} = \frac{20 + 21}{24} = \frac{41}{24}\]

  1. Final result calculation

The resulting fraction \(\frac{41}{24}\) is an improper fraction. We convert it back into a mixed number by dividing 41 by 24:
\[41 \div 24 = 1 \text{ with a remainder of } 17\]
So, \(\frac{41}{24} = 1 \frac{17}{24}\).
Finally, add this to our integer sum from step 2:
\[5 + 1 \frac{17}{24} = 6 \frac{17}{24}\]
Thus, the sum is \(\boxed{6 \frac{17}{24}}\).

Examples

Adding mixed numbers is essential for many practical measurements, such as in construction or cooking. For example, if you are building a small shelf and have two pieces of wood measuring \(3 \frac{5}{6}\) feet and \(2 \frac{7}{8}\) feet long, joining them gives a total length of \(6 \frac{17}{24}\) feet. This math ensures that you can combine different materials precisely to reach the desired total dimension for your project.