Calculate 1/2 + 3½ + 4¾: Mixed Number Addition Problem

Simplifying first makes calculations easier! $4\frac{2}{4}$ becomes $4\frac{1}{2}$, which is simpler to work with and helps you spot patterns like common denominators.

Yes! Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction, add them up, then convert back. Just make sure you find a common denominator first: $\frac{1}{2} + \frac{7}{2} + \frac{17}{4}$.

Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) first! In this problem, we're lucky that $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$ already have the same denominator after simplifying.

Check two things: 1) The fraction part should be in lowest terms 2) The numerator should be smaller than the denominator. If not, convert some of the fraction to a whole number!

With addition, you can actually add in any order due to the commutative property! The explanation chooses left-to-right to stay organized, but $\frac{1}{2} + 3\frac{1}{2} + 4\frac{3}{4}$ gives the same result no matter the order.