Math Problem Statement

Alana spends 3/4 hour preparing an experiment and 3/5 hour doing the experiment. How long did Alana spend on the experiment altogether?

Solution

The question asks how long Alana spent on the experiment altogether, given that:

  • She spent 3/4 hour preparing for the experiment.
  • She spent 3/5 hour doing the experiment.

To find out how long Alana spent altogether, we need to add these two fractions:

34+35\frac{3}{4} + \frac{3}{5}

Step 1: Find a common denominator

The denominators are 4 and 5. The least common denominator (LCD) is 20.

34=3×54×5=1520\frac{3}{4} = \frac{3 \times 5}{4 \times 5} = \frac{15}{20} 35=3×45×4=1220\frac{3}{5} = \frac{3 \times 4}{5 \times 4} = \frac{12}{20}

Step 2: Add the two fractions

1520+1220=2720\frac{15}{20} + \frac{12}{20} = \frac{27}{20}

Step 3: Simplify the result

2720=1720\frac{27}{20} = 1 \frac{7}{20}

So, Alana spent 1 hour and 7/20 of an hour on the experiment altogether.

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do you convert an improper fraction into a mixed number?
  2. What is the least common denominator, and why is it useful?
  3. How would you add fractions with different denominators?
  4. Can you subtract fractions in a similar way?
  5. How long is 7/20 of an hour in minutes?

Tip: When adding fractions, always ensure the denominators are the same before performing the addition.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Fractions
Addition of fractions
Least common denominator

Formulas

LCD (Least Common Denominator) to add fractions: LCD(4, 5) = 20
Convert fractions to common denominator: 3/4 = 15/20, 3/5 = 12/20
Addition of fractions with common denominators: 15/20 + 12/20 = 27/20

Theorems

Fraction Addition Theorem
Conversion of Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 4-6