Question

shanika gained 3\frac{3}{7} pounds. sebastian gained 5\frac{1}{14} pounds. what was their total weight gain? 8\frac{1}{2} total pounds were gained. 8\frac{4}{7} total pounds were gained. 2\frac{5}{14} total pounds were gained. 8\frac{2}{7} total pounds were gained.

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed - numbers to improper fractions

$3\frac{3}{7}=\frac{3\times7 + 3}{7}=\frac{21+3}{7}=\frac{24}{7}$ and $5\frac{1}{14}=\frac{5\times14 + 1}{14}=\frac{70 + 1}{14}=\frac{71}{14}$

Step2: Find a common denominator

The common denominator of 7 and 14 is 14. So, $\frac{24}{7}=\frac{24\times2}{7\times2}=\frac{48}{14}$

Step3: Add the fractions

$\frac{48}{14}+\frac{71}{14}=\frac{48 + 71}{14}=\frac{119}{14}$

Step4: Convert the improper fraction back to a mixed - number

$\frac{119}{14}=8\frac{7}{14}=8\frac{1}{2}$

Answer:

$8\frac{1}{2}$ total pounds were gained.