Final answer:
In summary, 5 1/2 + 3 9/10 is calculated by converting the mixed numbers to improper fractions, finding a common denominator, adding them, and simplifying the result. The final answer is 9 2/5, which corresponds to option B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked to calculate the sum 5 1/2 + 3 9/10. To do this, we first convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. For the first number, 5 1/2, you multiply the whole number by the denominator (5 * 2 = 10), then add the numerator (10 + 1 = 11) to get 11/2. For the second number, 3 9/10, you do the same (3 * 10 = 30 + 9 = 39) to get 39/10. Now you have the fractions 11/2 and 39/10.
To add these fractions, find a common denominator. The common denominator for 2 and 10 is 10. The first fraction is equivalent to 55/10 (since 11 * 5 = 55) and the second fraction is already 39/10. Adding these together yields 94/10. Finally, convert this back to a mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator to get 9 with a remainder of 4, so the mixed number is 9 4/10, which simplifies to 9 2/5 (since 4/10 is simplified to 2/5).
The correct answer is B. 9 2/5.