Question

an athlete drank 1 1/2 bottles of sports drink in the first half of a match and another 4 1/4 bottles in the second half. how much did he drink in all? write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed - numbers to improper fractions

$1\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1\times2 + 1}{2}=\frac{3}{2}$ and $4\frac{1}{4}=\frac{4\times4+1}{4}=\frac{17}{4}$

Step2: Find a common denominator

The common denominator of 2 and 4 is 4. So, $\frac{3}{2}=\frac{3\times2}{2\times2}=\frac{6}{4}$

Step3: Add the fractions

$\frac{6}{4}+\frac{17}{4}=\frac{6 + 17}{4}=\frac{23}{4}=5\frac{3}{4}$

Answer:

$5\frac{3}{4}$