Add the following fractions and reduce to the lowest common denominator: 24 5/8 + 13 15/16 + 8 1/4?

• A. 46 1/2
• B. 46 7/8
• C. 46 3/4
• D. 46 13/16

Answer: (D)

When adding mixed numbers, first put the fractional parts over a common denominator. The denominators here are 8, 16, and 4, so the smallest common denominator is 16. Convert the fractions: 5/8 becomes 10/16, and 1/4 becomes 4/16, while 15/16 stays as 15/16.

Now add the numbers by parts. If you keep the whole and fractional parts separate, you get:

• Whole parts: 24 + 13 + 8 = 45

• Fractions: 10/16 + 15/16 + 4/16 = 29/16

29/16 is 1 whole and 13/16. Add that to the 45 whole parts to get 46 and 13/16.

So the sum is 46 13/16.