s Math 5th grade Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators: word problems XLA In Erin's history class, \( 1 / 8 \) of the students are making videos for their final project and \( 1 / 2 \) are making dioramas. What fraction of the students are making either a video or a diorama? Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number. Submit
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To find the total fraction of students making either a video or a diorama, we need a common denominator to add \( \frac{1}{8} \) and \( \frac{1}{2} \). The denominator for both fractions is 8. We convert \( \frac{1}{2} \) to eighths: \( \frac{1}{2} = \frac{4}{8} \). Now, we can add the two fractions: \[ \frac{1}{8} + \frac{4}{8} = \frac{5}{8} \] So, \( \frac{5}{8} \) of the students are making either a video or a diorama. When adding fractions, remember to always find a common denominator! It’s a common mistake to add the numerators while keeping the denominators separate, which would give an incorrect answer. Always rewrite the fractions to have the same denominator before adding!