So we know that the scuba diver descended 18 5/12 feet below sea level, and then descended another 3 3/5 feet. What we can do is first, add the whole numbers.

18 + 3 = 21

so we got the whole numbers out of the way for now. Now, we just need to focus on the fractions. If you look at the denominators (bottom numbers), you can see that they are different. What we need to do is make them the same, so we have to find the lowest common denominators, which would be 60. Here is how we do the math to find the LCD:

First, let's start with the 5/12, and remember, whatever you do to the denominator, you have to do to the numerator.

We have to multiply 12 by whatever makes it 60, which is 5.

12 * 5 = 60

And we have to do the same to the numerator

5 * 5 = 25

So now we have a fraction of 25/60. Let's move on to the next fraction, 3/5. The only way to get 5 to 60 is by multiplying it by 12.

5 * 12 = 60

And, again, the same for the numerator

3 * 12 = 36

So now we have 36/60 and 25/60. Now, we can finally add them. Since the denominators are the same number, we don't have to add them. Only the numerators.

36 + 25 = 61

We get 61/60, and because we cannot leave that undone, we make 1 whole number from that, leaving us with 22 1/60.

And because it is BELOW sea level, we make it negative, therefore we have -22 1/60

Sorry it was so late, hope it helped a bit though!

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3 years ago