Question

Malcolm buys a 5/6 pound of black beans and a 3/4 pound bag of pinto beans. How many pounds of beans does Malcolm buy in all?

Answer 1

19/12 or 1 7/12 lbs

5/6 + 3/4

Find a common denominator, aka least common multiple

So, 5/6 becomes 20/24 and 3/4 becomes 18/24

20/24 + 18/24 = 38/24 which simplifies to 19/12 or 1 7/12

Answer 2

19/12 pounds which is equal to 1.583 pounds

Explanation:

The total pounds of beans bought is a function of the amount of black beans and the amount of pinto beans. These two added together gives the amount of beans bought.

Given,

Amount of black beans = 5/6 pounds

Amount of Pinto beans = 3/4 pounds

Total pounds of beans purchased = 5/6 + 3/4

=(10 + 9)/12

= 19/12 pounds

= 1.583 pound