Understanding the Ingredients

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 18 views

Introduction

In this problem, we are given the quantities of three different ingredients used to make a punch. We need to find the total number of cups of punch that Peter makes by mixing these ingredients. This problem involves adding fractions with different denominators, which requires a step-by-step approach to ensure accuracy.

Understanding the Ingredients

Peter mixes three different ingredients to make the punch:

Orange Juice: $4 \frac{1}{2}$ cups
Ginger Ale: $1 \frac{1}{5}$ cups
Strawberry Lemonade: $6 \frac{1}{5}$ cups

Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions

To add these fractions, we need to convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

Orange Juice: $4 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{(4 \times 2) + 1}{2} = \frac{9}{2}$
Ginger Ale: $1 \frac{1}{5} = \frac{(1 \times 5) + 1}{5} = \frac{6}{5}$
Strawberry Lemonade: $6 \frac{1}{5} = \frac{(6 \times 5) + 1}{5} = \frac{31}{5}$

Finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM)

To add these fractions, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators, which are 2, 5, and 5. The LCM of 2 and 5 is 10.

Converting Fractions to Have the Same Denominator

We will convert each fraction to have a denominator of 10.

Orange Juice: $\frac{9}{2} = \frac{9 \times 5}{2 \times 5} = \frac{45}{10}$
Ginger Ale: $\frac{6}{5} = \frac{6 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{12}{10}$
Strawberry Lemonade: $\frac{31}{5} = \frac{31 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{62}{10}$

Adding the Fractions

Now that all the fractions have the same denominator, we can add them.

$\frac{45}{10} + \frac{12}{10} + \frac{62}{10} = \frac{45 + 12 + 62}{10} = \frac{119}{10}$

Converting the Result to a Mixed Number

To convert the improper fraction to a mixed number, we will divide the numerator by the denominator.

$\frac{119}{10} = 11 \frac{9}{10}$

Conclusion

In this problem, we calculated the total number of cups of punch that Peter makes by mixing orange juice, ginger ale, and strawberry lemonade. We converted the mixed numbers to improper fractions, found the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators, converted the fractions to have the same denominator, added the fractions, and finally converted the result to a mixed number. The total number of cups of punch that Peter makes is $11 \frac{9}{10}$ cups.

Answer

$The total number of cups of punch that Peter makes is $11 \frac{9}{10}$ cups.<br/> **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**$

Q: What is the total number of cups of punch that Peter makes?

A: The total number of cups of punch that Peter makes is $11 \frac{9}{10}$ cups.

Q: How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

A: To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, you need to multiply the whole number part by the denominator and add the numerator. Then, write the result as a fraction with the denominator.

Example: $4 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{(4 \times 2) + 1}{2} = \frac{9}{2}$

Q: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 2, 5, and 5?

A: The least common multiple (LCM) of 2, 5, and 5 is 10.

Q: How do I add fractions with different denominators?

A: To add fractions with different denominators, you need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators and convert each fraction to have the same denominator. Then, add the fractions.

Example: $\frac{45}{10} + \frac{12}{10} + \frac{62}{10} = \frac{45 + 12 + 62}{10} = \frac{119}{10}$

Q: How do I convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

A: To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, you need to divide the numerator by the denominator and write the result as a mixed number.

Example: $\frac{119}{10} = 11 \frac{9}{10}$

Q: What is the importance of finding the least common multiple (LCM) in adding fractions?

A: Finding the least common multiple (LCM) is important in adding fractions because it allows you to convert each fraction to have the same denominator, making it easier to add the fractions.

Q: Can I add fractions with different denominators without finding the least common multiple (LCM)?

A: No, you cannot add fractions with different denominators without finding the least common multiple (LCM). This is because the denominators must be the same in order to add the fractions.

Q: How do I simplify a fraction?

A: To simplify a fraction, you need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator and divide both numbers by the GCD.

Example: $\frac{12}{18} = \frac{12 \div 6}{18 \div 6} = \frac{2}{3}$

Q: What is the difference between a proper fraction and an improper fraction?

A: A proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is less than the denominator, while an improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

Example: $\frac{1}{2}$ is a proper fraction, while $\frac{3}{2}$ is an improper fraction.