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Josh is solving the equation 2 ⅓ + 2 4/5 and predicts that his answer will be more than 4 but less than 5, because 2 + 2 = 4. Is Josh’s prediction correct? Why or why not? Show your thinking.

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Final answer:

Josh's prediction that 2 ⅓ + 2 4/5 would be between 4 and 5 is incorrect. The actual sum of these two mixed numbers is 9 2/15, which is significantly greater than 5.

Step-by-step explanation:

Josh is solving the equation 2 ⅓ + 2 4/5 and predicts that his answer will be more than 4 but less than 5. To determine whether Josh's prediction is correct, we need to add the two mixed numbers together. First, convert each mixed number to an improper fraction:

  • 2 ⅓ = ⅓ + 2 = (7/3) + (6/3) = 13/3
  • 2 4/5 = 4/5 + 2 = (14/5) + (10/5) = 24/5

Next, find a common denominator for the two fractions, which would be 15, and add them together:

  • (13/3) * (5/5) = 65/15
  • (24/5) * (3/3) = 72/15

Add the fractions:

65/15 + 72/15 = 137/15

Convert the improper fraction back to a mixed number:

137/15 = 9 with a remainder of 2, therefore the mixed number is 9 2/15.

Since 9 2/15 is much greater than 4, Josh's prediction is incorrect.

User JohnW
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