Question

1. Perform the indicated operation Express the answer in simplest form Show all necessary work.

(a) -2 1/3 + ( -1 3/4)
3
(b) -2 1/3 + 1 3/4

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

(a) -4 1/12

(b) -7/12

Explanation:

We can convert these numbers to ones with a denominator of 12. This will facilitate the arithmetic.

2 1/3 = (6+1)/3 = 7/3 = 28/12

1 3/4 = (4 +3)/4 = 7/4 = 21/12

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Then the sum and difference are ...

(a) -28/12 -21/12 = -49/12 = -4 1/12

(b) -28/12 +21/12 = -7/12