Question

How much is 1 1/4 + 3/4 + 1 1/3 step by step

Answer 1

Answer:

  3 1/3

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1 is to look at the problem.

Here, you notice that the first two numbers have fractions that are quarters. The total of those two fractions is 1/4 + 3/4 = 4/4 = 1.

So, the sum of the first two numbers is ...

  1 1/4 + 3/4 = 1 +(1/4 +3/4) = 1 +1 = 2

Step 2 is to add the next mixed number, which has a fraction with a different denominator. Since you have no fractions to add at this point, the sum is just ...

  2 + 1 1/3 = 3 1/3

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Comment on adding fractions

Generally, adding fractions requires you determine a common denominator. Often, you are asked to find the least common denominator, but that isn't necessary. Sometimes that can save the work of reducing the fraction that results, but sometimes it makes more work.

Here, a common denominator for fourths and thirds would be twelfths:

  1/4 = 3/12

  1/3 = 4/12

However, since adding the fourths results in an integer, no common denominator is necessary.