## Mixed Numbers with Variables

Simple patterns, variables, the order of operations, simplification, evaluation, linear equations and graphs, etc.

### Mixed Numbers with Variables

11/2 equals "One plus a half" or "1+1/2"

Well would that be same for "a 2/3"?
Would "a 2/3" be "a plus two thirds" or "a+2/3"?
If yes, then what would be "a multiplied by 2/3" (in simplest form)?
Wouldn't it technically be "a 2/3"?

So does "a 2/3" equal
"a multiplied by two thirds"?
OR
"a plus two thirds"?
guestperson

Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:01 pm

When people write "a(2/3)", this means "the variable 'a', times the fraction two-thirds". In anything other than mixed numbers, one must add "a" and "two-thirds" by putting a "plus" sign between them.

I am not familiar with any "mixed number/variable" notation such as $a\frac{2}{3}$, so I can't speak specifically to that.

stapel_eliz

Posts: 1701
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:22 pm

### Re: Mixed Numbers with Variables

As a college math teacher, I would read $a\frac{2}{3}$ as a students mistake in representing $\frac{2}{3}a$ which would be interpreted as 2/3 TIMES a (i.e. 2/3 is the coefficient on a).

I've never seen variables used in mixed numbers.
Honeysuckle588

Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jul 15, 2009 4:07 pm