please help me add 5 1/3 + 2 1/4 + 3 1/2

First, find the common denominator of 3, 4, and 2.

5 1/3 = 5 4/12
2 1/4 = 2 3/12
3 1/2 = 3 6/12

Then add the whole numbers and the numerators.

5 4/12 + 2 3/12 + 3 6/12 = 10 13/12 = 11 1/12

To add mixed numbers like 5 1/3, 2 1/4, and 3 1/2, you need to perform the following steps:

Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions
- To convert 5 1/3 to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number (5) by the denominator (3) and add the numerator (1). Then, write the sum over the denominator: (5 * 3 + 1) / 3 = 16/3.
- Similarly, convert 2 1/4 to an improper fraction: (2 * 4 + 1) / 4 = 9/4.
- Convert 3 1/2 to an improper fraction: (3 * 2 + 1) / 2 = 7/2.

Step 2: Find a common denominator
- To add fractions, you need to have a common denominator. Identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators (3, 4, and 2), which is 12.

Step 3: Convert the fractions to have the common denominator
- Multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction to make the denominators equal to 12.
- Multiply the numerator and denominator of 16/3 by 4/4 to get 64/12.
- Multiply the numerator and denominator of 9/4 by 3/3 to get 27/12.
- Multiply the numerator and denominator of 7/2 by 6/6 to get 42/12.

Step 4: Add the fractions
- Now that all fractions have the same denominator, you can add the numerators together.
- 64/12 + 27/12 + 42/12 = (64 + 27 + 42)/12 = 133/12.

Step 5: Simplify the fraction (if necessary)
- If desired, simplify the fraction by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by it. In this case, 133/12 is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the sum of 5 1/3, 2 1/4, and 3 1/2 is 133/12.