Solve the Equation: a + 2½ = 4 | Mixed Number Addition

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

• Step 1: Convert the mixed number $2\frac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction.
• Step 2: Subtract $2\frac{1}{2}$ from both sides of the equation to isolate $a$.
• Step 3: Simplify the result to find the value of $a$.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Convert $2\frac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction. $2\frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2}$.

Step 2: The equation becomes $a + \frac{5}{2} = 4$. To isolate $a$, subtract $\frac{5}{2}$ from both sides:

$a = 4 - \frac{5}{2}$

Step 3: Convert 4 into a fraction with the same denominator to perform the subtraction. $4 = \frac{8}{2}$.

$a = \frac{8}{2} - \frac{5}{2} = \frac{3}{2}$.

The improper fraction $\frac{3}{2}$ can be converted back to a mixed number, giving $a = 1\frac{1}{2}$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $a = 1\frac{1}{2}$.