Can the sum of two mixed numbers be equal to 2? Explain why or why not.

A mixed number is usually positive and greater than 1.

less than 1 is just a fraction.

So, two numbers each greater than 1 cannot add to just 2.

If you allow negative mixed numbers, then anything is possible.

That did help with my homework a little bit. 8)

8

To determine if the sum of two mixed numbers can be equal to 2, we need to understand what mixed numbers are and how addition works.

A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a fraction. It is expressed in the form "a b/c", where "a" is the whole number part, "b" is the numerator of the fraction part, and "c" is the denominator of the fraction part.

When adding two mixed numbers, we add the whole number parts separately and then add the fractional parts separately. If the sum of the fractional parts is greater than or equal to 1, we carry over the extra whole number to the sum of the whole number parts.

Let's consider an example:
Mixed number 1: 1 1/4
Mixed number 2: 1 3/4

To find the sum, we add the whole number parts: 1 + 1 = 2.
Next, we add the fractional parts: 1/4 + 3/4 = 4/4 = 1.

So, the sum of these two mixed numbers is 2 1/4, not 2.

In general, when adding two mixed numbers, the sum will be greater than 2 unless the fractional parts cancel each other out and equal zero. For example, if we add 1 3/4 and 1 -3/4, the sum will be exactly 2.

Therefore, the sum of two mixed numbers can be equal to 2, but it requires specific conditions where the fractional parts cancel each other out. In most cases, the sum will be greater than 2.