First, we need to convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions for easier calculation.
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For the first 2 books:
- \( 4 \frac{5}{8} \) hours can be converted to an improper fraction: \[ 4 \frac{5}{8} = \frac{4 \times 8 + 5}{8} = \frac{32 + 5}{8} = \frac{37}{8} \text{ hours} \]
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For the remaining 3 books:
- \( 7 \frac{7}{8} \) hours can be converted to an improper fraction: \[ 7 \frac{7}{8} = \frac{7 \times 8 + 7}{8} = \frac{56 + 7}{8} = \frac{63}{8} \text{ hours} \]
Now, we will add the times together: \[ \text{Total time} = \frac{37}{8} + \frac{63}{8} = \frac{37 + 63}{8} = \frac{100}{8} \]
Now, we can simplify \( \frac{100}{8} \): \[ \frac{100}{8} = 12 \frac{4}{8} \]
Thus, the total time Richard took to read all 5 books is \( 12 \frac{4}{8} \) hours, which can also be expressed as \( 12, 4/8 \) hours.
Therefore, the correct response is: 12, 4/8 hours.