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Ineedhelpinmath
May 8, 2013, 10:26 PM
Sierra picked half of a basket of apples yesterday. Today she picked four-fifths of a basket of apples. What part of a basket of apples has Sierra picked in all?

joypulv
May 9, 2013, 01:55 AM
What grade are you in?
We don't give answers, we help you work on the answer.

Ineedhelpinmath
May 9, 2013, 12:45 PM
6th grade

Wondergirl
May 9, 2013, 12:48 PM
Draw two baskets. (_) (_) Draw a line on each to show the amount removed, so you can see the problem up close and personal.

joypulv
May 9, 2013, 12:51 PM
OK, that's a low enough grade for help for an easy question.
Although I don't like the question, because it says 'what part of a basket' when the answer is more than one basket! (4/5 only needs 1 more 5th to be one whole basket, and you have a half to add to it.)
This is addition of 2 fractions: 1/2 and 4/5.
Do you know what to do next, to make both have the same denominator?

Ineedhelpinmath
May 9, 2013, 12:51 PM
OK, then what?

Ineedhelpinmath
May 9, 2013, 12:53 PM
OK, then what?

That what I did, adding 1/2 and 4/5 equals 1 3/10 but assumed answer was incorrect because it was more than one basket. Question is very misleading!

joypulv
May 9, 2013, 02:20 PM
Don't hesitate to correct the teacher... in my humble opinion.
I've seen teachers who write all sorts of lousy questions, or use spelling words incorrectly.
We need more smart teachers, not just ones who can pass the education requirements.
(They will complain that they aren't paid enough.
Some of them aren't. Some are paid too much for what they do.)

Wondergirl
May 9, 2013, 02:21 PM
I agree -- the question is misleading. You did copy it correctly?