Question

What is -7 2/3 + (-5 1/2) + 8 3/4

Answer 1

Hey there :)

$-7 \frac{2}{3} = - \frac{23}{3}$
$-5 \frac{1}{2} = -\frac{11}{2}$
$8 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{35}{4}$

$- \frac{23}{3} - \frac{11}{2} + \frac{35}{4}$

We need to change all fractions to have a common denominator 

Lets see:
Multiples of 2: 2 , 4 , 6 , 8 , 10 , 12
Multiplies of 3: 3 , 6 , 9 , 12
Multiplies of 4: 4 , 8, 12

The common denominator is 12
2 x 6 = 12
3 x 4 = 12
4 x 3 = 12

= $-\frac{23(4)}{3(4)} - \frac{11(6)}{2(6)} + \frac{35(3)}{4(3)}$
= $- \frac{92}{12} - \frac{66}{12} + \frac{105}{12}$

We need to add the numerators while keeping the same denominator
= $- \frac{53}{12}$
= $-4 \frac{5}{12}$