Alice has an indigo extension cord that is $8\frac{3}{5}$ feet long and a red extension cord that is $4\frac{3}{5}$ feet long. If Alice plugs one extension cord into the other, how far will the cords reach? $\newline$ Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number. $\newline$ $\_\_\_\_$ feet

Full solution

Q. Alice has an indigo extension cord that is

8\frac{3}{5}

feet long and a red extension cord that is

4\frac{3}{5}

feet long. If Alice plugs one extension cord into the other, how far will the cords reach?

\newline

Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.

\newline

\_\_\_\_

feet

Convert to Improper Fractions: Convert the lengths of the extension cords to improper fractions for easier addition. $\newline$ Indigo cord: $8 \frac{3}{5}$ feet = $(8 \times 5 + 3)/5 = \frac{43}{5}$ feet. $\newline$ Red cord: $4 \frac{3}{5}$ feet = $(4 \times 5 + 3)/5 = \frac{23}{5}$ feet.
Add Lengths: Add the lengths of the two cords. $\newline$ Total length = $\frac{43}{5}$ feet + $\frac{23}{5}$ feet = $\frac{66}{5}$ feet.
Convert to Mixed Number: Convert the total length from an improper fraction to a mixed number. $\frac{66}{5} = 13 \frac{1}{5}$ feet.