turn them into improper fractions because it will make it easier.
2 3/4 = 11/4
12 6/8 = 102/8
then get the same denominator
in this case you will multiply 11/4 by 2 (= 22/8)
22/8 + 102/8 = 124/8
which can then be simplified to 15 1/2
orrrrrr you can reduce 12 6/8 to 12 3/4
2 3/4 + 12 3/4 = (2 + 12) + (3/4 + 3/4)
= 14 + 1 1/2
= 15 1/2