Question

1. during a science experiment, jose used a different amount of water to grow seedlings and then measured their growth. plant a got the most water and grew 1\frac{3}{4} inches. plant b got the least amount of water and grew -\frac{1}{2} inches. plant c got a medium amount of water and grew \frac{2}{3} inches. what was the total growth for all three plants?

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed - number to improper fraction

$1\frac{3}{4}=\frac{4\times1 + 3}{4}=\frac{7}{4}$

Step2: Find a common denominator

The common denominator of 4, 2, and 3 is 12.

Step3: Rewrite fractions with common denominator

$\frac{7}{4}=\frac{7\times3}{4\times3}=\frac{21}{12}$, $-\frac{1}{2}=-\frac{1\times6}{2\times6}=-\frac{6}{12}$, $\frac{2}{3}=\frac{2\times4}{3\times4}=\frac{8}{12}$

Step4: Add the fractions

$\frac{21}{12}+(-\frac{6}{12})+\frac{8}{12}=\frac{21 - 6+8}{12}=\frac{23}{12}$

Step5: Convert back to mixed - number

$\frac{23}{12}=1\frac{11}{12}$

Answer:

$1\frac{11}{12}$ inches