Question

lexi skated for $5\frac{1}{8}$ hours last month and $4\frac{1}{2}$ hours this month. how many hours did lexi skate in all? write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

Last month: \( 5\frac{1}{8}=\frac{5\times8 + 1}{8}=\frac{41}{8} \)
This month: \( 4\frac{1}{2}=\frac{4\times2+1}{2}=\frac{9}{2}=\frac{9\times4}{2\times4}=\frac{36}{8} \)

Step2: Add the two fractions

\( \frac{41}{8}+\frac{36}{8}=\frac{41 + 36}{8}=\frac{77}{8} \)

Step3: Convert back to mixed number

\( \frac{77}{8}=9\frac{5}{8} \)

Answer:

\( 9\frac{5}{8} \)