Mixed-Number Word Problems
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ISEE Lower Level: Mathematics Achievement › Mixed-Number Word Problems
A shopper bought $2\ \tfrac{2}{3}$ pounds of grapes and $1\ \tfrac{1}{3}$ pounds of pears. The fruit went into one bag to carry home. The shopper wanted to know the total weight of fruit in the bag. He added the weights before going to the checkout line. What is the result of adding the two mixed numbers?
$4$ pounds
$3\ \tfrac{1}{3}$ pounds
$4\ \tfrac{1}{3}$ pounds
$3\ \tfrac{2}{3}$ pounds
Explanation
This question tests the ability to add mixed numbers in a real-world context, specifically for ISEE lower-level students. Mixed numbers combine whole numbers and fractions, requiring careful alignment of like parts for operations. In this word problem, the shopper's fruit weights of 2⅔ pounds and 1⅓ pounds must be added to find the total weight. The correct answer is choice B (4 pounds) because when we add the whole numbers (2 + 1 = 3) and the fractions (⅔ + ⅓ = ³/₃ = 1), we get 3 + 1 = 4 pounds. Choice C (3⅔ pounds) is incorrect because it fails to recognize that the fractions add up to a whole number, keeping the fractional part instead of converting it. To improve, students should always simplify fractions and recognize when fractional parts combine to make whole numbers, converting improper fractions accordingly.