Question

9 1/2 + -8 1/2 (fractions)

Answer 1

To add the fractions \(9 \frac{1}{2}\) and \(-8 \frac{1}{2}\), we can first convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.

1. Convert \(9 \frac{1}{2}\):
\[
9 \frac{1}{2} = 9 \times 2 + 1 = 18 + 1 = 19 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \frac{19}{2}
\]

2. Convert \(-8 \frac{1}{2}\):
\[
-8 \frac{1}{2} = - (8 \times 2 + 1) = - (16 + 1) = - 17 \quad \Rightarrow \quad -\frac{17}{2}
\]

Now, we can add the two improper fractions:
\[
\frac{19}{2} + \left(-\frac{17}{2}\right) = \frac{19 - 17}{2} = \frac{2}{2} = 1
\]

So, the result of \(9 \frac{1}{2} + -8 \frac{1}{2}\) is \(1\).