How do you simplify #6/10 + 3 3/2 - 5 1/4#?

1 Answer
Jul 28, 2016

#-3/20#

Explanation:

To add and subtract fractions the denominators must be the same. The lowest common denominator for #10, 2, and 4# is #20#, so we must multiply each fraction by #1# in a form that will make each denominator #20#. It is also helpful to make the mixed fractions into improper fractions:

#6/10(2/2) + 9/2(10/10) - 21/4(5/5)#

#= 12/20 + 90/20 - 105/20#

#= 102/20 - 105/20#

#= -3/20#