Question

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

Answer 1

`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)`

Answer 2

`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`

:)>