SOLUTION: I need help with this equation (I got help last night, but its conflicting with a few other views) 12 1/2 + 1/ 1/3 = The 1 over the 1/3 confuses me, cause according to me thi

Question 309973: I need help with this equation (I got help last night, but its conflicting with a few other views)
12 1/2 + 1/ 1/3 =
The 1 over the 1/3 confuses me, cause according to me this is 3
So is it right to go 12 1/2 + 3 = ?
(If you use funny signs...can you tell me what they are please?)
Thanks for the help!
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Well, think of 1 as . So this means that

So our goal is to simplify

Start with the given expression.

Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction (ie 'flip' the second fraction and multiply)

Combine the fractions.

Multiply

Reduce.

So . It turns out that for any 'x' that is not zero. For instance, if , then . So this will save time in the future (hopefully you'll understand how it all works).

So then becomes . Does this help you get moving in the right direction?
RELATED QUESTIONS
I need help solving this polynomial problem please! It has a zero:3, with multiplicity 1... (answered by Boreal,Alan3354)

Hello! I need help with a few problems that I'm having difficulty with. 1) [(1+i)/i] - (answered by solver91311,Edwin McCravy)

Can you help me solve this variables with equations. On my worksheet it says... (answered by stanbon,schrammbledeggs)

solve each system by graphing check your answer (y=1/2x+2 (y=-x-1 i have tried... (answered by Fombitz)

Hi, I am Kimberly, I am in accelerated math 1 and I am getting confused with some slope... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

How do you solve two-step equations with fractions? Like this one: 15 + q/6 = -21 (answered by stanbon,MathTherapy)

I just started trig and need help refreshing. Please help with a few problems... 1.... (answered by nyc_function)

Hey need help with this problem ((x+3)/(x^2+5x+6)) - ((2)/(x+3)) I got the answer... (answered by mananth)

I need help with a few problems. Could you walk me through step by step on how to do... (answered by richwmiller)