Question

find the sum.
$3 + \frac{1}{2} = \\ 3\frac{1}{2}$
$-3 + \left( -\frac{1}{2} \
ight) = \\ -3\frac{1}{2}$
$3 + \left( -\frac{1}{2} \
ight) = \square$

Explanation:

Step1: Convert to fractions

Convert 3 to a fraction with denominator 2: \(3=\frac{6}{2}\)

Step2: Add the fractions

Now add \(\frac{6}{2}\) and \(-\frac{1}{2}\): \(\frac{6}{2}+(-\frac{1}{2})=\frac{6 - 1}{2}=\frac{5}{2}\)

Step3: Convert to mixed number

\(\frac{5}{2}=2\frac{1}{2}\)

Answer:

\(2\frac{1}{2}\) (or \(\frac{5}{2}\))