My son has to solve equations with mixed numbers in them. we are in dispute about the problem below:

Question

6 3/8 = t - 4 3/4 - 2 1/16

I solved it by adding 2 1/16 to both sides, then adding 4 3/4 to both sides. My answer was 13.

My son solved it by subtracting he mixed numbers on the right side first. Then he added that difference to 6 3/8. His answer was 9 1/16.

Can you tell us Which of us is following the correct procedure?

Thank you very much.

Answer 1

Either way is right, but it looks like you're both wrong

6 3/8 + 2 1/16 = 8 7/16
8 7/16 + 4 3/4 = 13 3/16

He should have added the mixed numbers on the right, then subtracted the sum:

4 3/4 + 2 1/16 = 6 13/16
So,
6 3/8 = t - 6 13/16
6 3/8 + 6 13/16 = 13 3/16

Guess you'd better both brush up on your fractions, eh?

Answer 2

What is the rational number between 1/3 and 5/6