If you add [tex]\(2 \frac{3}{5} + 3 \frac{7}{5} + 1 \frac{17}{10}\),[/tex] you get[tex]\(7 \frac{1}{2}\).[/tex]
To figure this out, first, add the whole numbers: [tex]\(2 + 3 + 1 = 6\)[/tex]. Now, for the fractions, make sure they have the same denominator, which here is 10. Convert [tex]\(\frac{3}{5}\) to \(\frac{6}{10}\),[/tex] then add all three fractions: [tex]\(\frac{6}{10} + \frac{7}{10} + \frac{17}{10} = \frac{30}{10}\)[/tex]. Simplify this fraction to [tex]\(\frac{3}{2}\).[/tex] Combining the whole number and the fraction, you get [tex]\(6 + \frac{3}{2}\), which is \(7 \frac{1}{2}\).[/tex]
Understanding how to add mixed numbers involves two steps: first, add the whole numbers, and then deal with the fractions separately.
Making sure the fractions have a common base helps in adding them up. The result, [tex]\(7 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex], is the total sum, showing there are 7 whole units and a half. This process is basic in math and forms the basis for handling more complex operations with fractions and mixed numbers.
