Math Problem Statement

Solve this problem. Reduce to lowest terms.

Josh spent 6 1/2 hours at school, 3 2/3 hours at work, 2 3/4 hours doing homework, and 1 1/3 hours watching television. How much time did Josh spend doing these activities?

Solution

To find the total time Josh spent doing these activities, we will add up all the given hours:

  • School time: 6126 \frac{1}{2} hours
  • Work time: 3233 \frac{2}{3} hours
  • Homework time: 2342 \frac{3}{4} hours
  • Television time: 1131 \frac{1}{3} hours

Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions

  1. For 6126 \frac{1}{2}: 612=6×2+12=1326 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{6 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{13}{2}

  2. For 3233 \frac{2}{3}: 323=3×3+23=1133 \frac{2}{3} = \frac{3 \times 3 + 2}{3} = \frac{11}{3}

  3. For 2342 \frac{3}{4}: 234=2×4+34=1142 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{2 \times 4 + 3}{4} = \frac{11}{4}

  4. For 1131 \frac{1}{3}: 113=1×3+13=431 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 3 + 1}{3} = \frac{4}{3}

Step 2: Find a Common Denominator

The denominators are 2, 3, and 4. The least common multiple (LCM) of 2, 3, and 4 is 12.

Step 3: Convert Fractions to Have a Common Denominator

  1. Convert 132\frac{13}{2}: 132=13×612=7812\frac{13}{2} = \frac{13 \times 6}{12} = \frac{78}{12}

  2. Convert 113\frac{11}{3}: 113=11×412=4412\frac{11}{3} = \frac{11 \times 4}{12} = \frac{44}{12}

  3. Convert 114\frac{11}{4}: 114=11×312=3312\frac{11}{4} = \frac{11 \times 3}{12} = \frac{33}{12}

  4. Convert 43\frac{4}{3}: 43=4×412=1612\frac{4}{3} = \frac{4 \times 4}{12} = \frac{16}{12}

Step 4: Add All the Fractions

7812+4412+3312+1612=17112\frac{78}{12} + \frac{44}{12} + \frac{33}{12} + \frac{16}{12} = \frac{171}{12}

Step 5: Simplify the Fraction

1711214312\frac{171}{12} \approx 14 \frac{3}{12}

We can simplify 312\frac{3}{12} to 14\frac{1}{4}. Thus, the final answer is:

1414 hours14 \frac{1}{4} \text{ hours}

Answer:

Josh spent a total of 14 1/4 hours doing these activities.

Would you like a breakdown of any step or further details on how the calculations were made?

Here are 5 relative questions to expand:

  1. How can we find the least common multiple (LCM) for more complex denominators?
  2. What’s the quickest way to add multiple fractions with different denominators?
  3. How do you convert a mixed number into an improper fraction?
  4. Can you explain why it is necessary to simplify fractions?
  5. What strategies can you use when comparing mixed numbers directly?

Tip: When adding mixed numbers, convert them to improper fractions first to avoid mistakes with addition and denominators.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Addition of Fractions
Mixed Numbers

Formulas

Mixed Number to Improper Fraction: a b/c = (a * c + b) / c
Adding Fractions: a/b + c/d = (a*d + b*c) / (b*d)
Least Common Multiple (LCM)

Theorems

LCM Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 5-7