Question

Kristin has 3 2/3 yards of plaid ribbon. She has 2 5/6 yards of polka - dot ribbon. Estimate how many yards of ribbon Kristin has in all. Explain how your estimate is reasonable

Answer 1

6.5 yards total

Explanation:

1.

Find the least common multiple (LCM) for the denominators. Because you have to make the denominators the same before you add the fractions, find a common multiple that they share. Then choose the lowest one. In this case the LCM is 6

2. Multiply the numerator and denominator to get like denominators. You'll need to multiply the entire fraction to make the denominator become the least common multiple. In this case multiply 2/3 by 2 = 4/6

3. Add the two fractions and the whole numbers

In this case: 2+ 3 =5

4/6 + 5/6 = 9/6

4. Now you have

5 + 9/6

5. Simplify 9/6 to 1 3/6 = 1 1/2

6. Add 5 + 1 1/2 = 6 1/2