What is the sum of:

1/8+5/16+3/8

Conversion a mixed number 16 3

8

to a improper fraction: 16 3/8 = 16 3

8

= 16 · 8 + 3

8

= 128 + 3

8

= 131

8

To find new numerator:

a) Multiply the whole number 16 by the denominator 8. Whole number 16 equally 16 * 8

8

= 128

8

b) Add the answer from previous step 128 to the numerator 3. New numerator is 128 + 3 = 131

c) Write previous answer (new numerator 131) over the denominator 8.

Sixteen and three eighths is one hundred thirty-one eighths

Conversion a mixed number 9 5

8

to a improper fraction: 9 5/8 = 9 5

8

= 9 · 8 + 5

8

= 72 + 5

8

= 77

8

To find new numerator:

a) Multiply the whole number 9 by the denominator 8. Whole number 9 equally 9 * 8

8

= 72

8

b) Add the answer from previous step 72 to the numerator 5. New numerator is 72 + 5 = 77

c) Write previous answer (new numerator 77) over the denominator 8.

Nine and five eighths is seventy-seven eighths

Subtract: 131

8

- 77

8

= 131 - 77

8

= 54

8

= 2 · 27

2 · 4

= 27

4

For adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions, it is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal, identical) denominator. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of the both denominators - LCM (8, 8) = 8. In practice, it is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 8 * 8 = 64. In the next intermediate step cancelling by a common factor of 2 gives 27

4

.

In words - one hundred thirty-one eighths minus seventy-seven eighths = twenty-seven quarters.