How do you simplify #6 3/8+7 2/5#?

2 Answers
Apr 24, 2017

#13(31)/(40)#

Explanation:

The problem is #6 3/8# + #7 2/5#

We can add #7+6# easily (it's #13#), but the two fractions give us more trouble. The denominators aren't the same, and we can't​ add them until they are.

If we multiply both denominators by the other one, they will both equal each other. Then we'll be able to add everything.

#5/5*3/8+2/5*8/8#

#(15)/(40)+(16)/(40)=(31)/(40)#

Now we add the whole numbers to our new fraction...

#13(31)/(40)#

Apr 26, 2017

#6 3/8 + 7 2/5#

We could then say #6 3/8 => 48/8 + 3/8#

i.e. #51/8#

Also, we can say #7 2/5 => 35/5 + 2/5#

i.e. #37/5#

Choosing a common denominator of 40 and adding we have:

#255/40 + 296/40#

=> #551/40#

so, #520/40 + 31/40#

i.e. #13 31/40#

:)>