Solve: -5 + (-1/2) + 10 + (-3/4) | Mixed Number Operations

Adding Mixed Integers with Unlike Fractions

5+12+10+(34)= -5+-\frac{1}{2}+10+(-\frac{3}{4})=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's begin by solving the problem.
00:09 First, we'll use the commutative law to rearrange the expression.
00:28 Next, we'll calculate each operation one at a time, moving from left to right.
00:37 Now, let's multiply the fraction by two to find a common denominator.
00:53 Then, we subtract the fractions.
01:05 We'll convert the whole number into a proper fraction with a common denominator.
01:14 After that, we add the fractions together.
01:24 And that's how we find the solution to the problem. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

5+12+10+(34)= -5+-\frac{1}{2}+10+(-\frac{3}{4})=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify the integers using addition.
  • Step 2: Simplify the fractions, ensuring a common denominator before adding.
  • Step 3: Combine results from integers and fractions for the final answer.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: Combine the integers 5 -5 and 10 10 .

5+10=5 -5 + 10 = 5

Step 2: Simplify and add the fractions 12-\frac{1}{2} and 34-\frac{3}{4}.

To add the fractions, we need a common denominator. The denominators are 2 and 4. The least common denominator is 4.

Convert 12-\frac{1}{2} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 4:

12=24-\frac{1}{2} = -\frac{2}{4}

Now add 24-\frac{2}{4} and 34-\frac{3}{4}:

24+34=54-\frac{2}{4} + -\frac{3}{4} = -\frac{5}{4}

Step 3: Combine the result of the integer addition and the fraction addition.

The integer result is 5 and the fraction result is 54-\frac{5}{4}. Convert 5 to a fraction with the same denominator:

5=2045 = \frac{20}{4}

Combine the fractions:

204+54=2054=154\frac{20}{4} + -\frac{5}{4} = \frac{20 - 5}{4} = \frac{15}{4}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 154 \frac{15}{4} .

3

Final Answer

154 \frac{15}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Order: Group integers separately from fractions before combining
  • Technique: Find LCD for fractions: 12=24 -\frac{1}{2} = -\frac{2}{4} then add
  • Check: Convert final answer back: 154=334 \frac{15}{4} = 3\frac{3}{4} makes sense ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions without finding common denominators
    Don't add 12+(34)=46 -\frac{1}{2} + (-\frac{3}{4}) = -\frac{4}{6} ! This adds numerators and denominators incorrectly, giving wrong results. Always find the LCD first, then convert all fractions before adding.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?

\( (-2)\cdot(-4)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Should I work left to right or group similar terms first?

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Group similar terms! It's much easier to combine all integers first (5+10=5 -5 + 10 = 5 ), then all fractions, rather than working strictly left to right.

How do I find the LCD when denominators are 2 and 4?

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Since 4 is a multiple of 2, the LCD is simply 4. Convert 12 -\frac{1}{2} to 24 -\frac{2}{4} by multiplying both numerator and denominator by 2.

Why is my answer positive when I'm adding negative numbers?

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Look carefully! You have both positive and negative numbers. The positive 10 is larger than all the negative values combined, so your final result is positive.

Can I convert everything to decimals instead?

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You could, but be careful with rounding errors. 34=0.75 -\frac{3}{4} = -0.75 exactly, but if you round to -0.8, your final answer will be wrong.

Should I convert my final answer to a mixed number?

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Not unless the problem asks for it! 154 \frac{15}{4} is perfectly acceptable as an improper fraction. Both 154 \frac{15}{4} and 334 3\frac{3}{4} are correct.

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