How do you solve #\frac{3}{8}+2\frac{1}{2}#?

We have:

Thus, we currently have:

The next step is to ensure that the denominators are equal (think of it as ensuring that each friend receives the same-sized slice of pizza when we share it):

To solve ( \frac{3}{8} + 2\frac{1}{2} ), first convert the mixed number ( 2\frac{1}{2} ) to an improper fraction:

[ 2\frac{1}{2} = 2 + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2 \times 2}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{4}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2} ]

Now, add ( \frac{3}{8} ) and ( \frac{5}{2} ):

[ \frac{3}{8} + \frac{5}{2} ]

To add fractions, we need a common denominator, which in this case is ( 8 \times 2 = 16 ):

[ \frac{3}{8} = \frac{3 \times 2}{8 \times 2} = \frac{6}{16} ]

[ \frac{5}{2} = \frac{5 \times 8}{2 \times 8} = \frac{40}{16} ]

Now, add the fractions:

[ \frac{6}{16} + \frac{40}{16} = \frac{6 + 40}{16} = \frac{46}{16} ]

Now, simplify the fraction:

[ \frac{46}{16} = \frac{23}{8} ]

So, ( \frac{3}{8} + 2\frac{1}{2} = \frac{23}{8} ).