Answer:
7.85 pounds (or 7 17/20 pounds)
Step-by-step explanation:
In decimal, the total is ...
4.25 + 3.60 = 7.85 . . . pounds
As mixed numbers, the total is ...
(4 +1/4) + (3 +3/5) = (4 +3) + (1/4 +3/5) = 7 +(5/20 +12/20) = 7 17/20 . . . pounds
Lowell bought 7 17/20 pounds of fruit.
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<em>Comment on the math</em>
Any calculator can add these numbers for you. You may have to enter them as (4+1/4) and (3+3/5) if your calculator does not support mixed number entry. Depending on the calculator, you may be able to get it to show you the mixed number result. If you want a mixed number and you get a decimal number, you may have to reduce the fraction yourself:
7 85/100 = 7 17/20 . . . . . . a factor of 5/5 can be removed from the fraction
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Any two fractions can always be added using the formula ...
a/b + c/d = (ad +bc)/(bd)
Here, that means the sum of 1/4 and 3/5 is ...
1/4 + 3/5 = (1·5 +4·3)/(4·5) = (5+12)/20 = 17/20 . . . . . the result above
In some cases, you may have to reduce the resulting fraction.
