SOLUTION: Please help me solve the problem: ann works 5 one-half hrs, Mary works 6 one-third hrs, and john works 4 and one-fourth hrs. How many combined hours have they worked?

Algebra ->  Percentage-and-ratio-word-problems -> SOLUTION: Please help me solve the problem: ann works 5 one-half hrs, Mary works 6 one-third hrs, and john works 4 and one-fourth hrs. How many combined hours have they worked?      Log On


   

Question 175374: Please help me solve the problem: ann works 5 one-half hrs, Mary works 6 one-third hrs, and john works 4 and one-fourth hrs. How many combined hours have they worked?
Found 3 solutions by josmiceli, adrian13r, Mathtut:
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Ann:
5%2A%281%2F2%29 = 2 1/2 hrs
Mary:
6%2A%281%2F3%29 = 2 hrs
John:
4%2A%281%2F4%29 = 1 hr
2 1/2 + 2 + 1 = 5 1/2 hrs

Answer by adrian13r(5) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Well I am not sure if you meant to write this another possible way but here are 2 possible answers.
Way you wrote it: combined = 8.75
If you meant to write 5 and 1 half and 6 and 1 third then: combine = 16.0833333

Answer by Mathtut(3670) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
again in order to add or subtract fractions we have to find LIKE denominators.
:
5(1/2)=5/2=
6(1/3)=6/3=2
4(1/4)=4/4=1
:
since 5/2 has a denominator of 2 lets write the rest of the numbers giving them a denominator of 2
:
2 multiplying top and bottom by 2 = 4/2
1 multiplying top and bottom by 2 = 2/2
:
5%2F2%2B4%2F2%2B2%2F2=11%2F2or 5 and 1/2 hours they worked