# Math Help - Little confusion, 2 2/3 vs 2/3 2

1. ## Little confusion, 2 2/3 vs 2/3 2

Hey everyone,

I'm doing distance math (436 and then 536) as prerequirements and I have a couple of issues but here's one that haunts me :

(I expressed my problem in an image below)

2. ## Re: Little confusion, 2 2/3 vs 2/3 2

Originally Posted by neurohype
Hey everyone,

I'm doing distance math (436 and then 536) as prerequirements and I have a couple of issues but here's one that haunts me :

(I expressed my problem in an image below)

1 and 2 are right. As for 3, nobody knows. There is a small potential difference that can be typed, but in written work there is ambiguity. For example:
$2~\frac{1}{3}$ vs. $2 \frac{1}{3}$

If there is a space between the whole number and the fraction we can pretty much know that you add the 2 and the 1/3. The other implies multiplication. But generally there is no rule unless it's specified. I would be more than happy if grade school just dropped the notation.

-Dan

3. ## Re: Little confusion, 2 2/3 vs 2/3 2

Originally Posted by topsquark
If there is a space between the whole number and the fraction we can pretty much know that you add the 2 and the 1/3. The other implies multiplication.
Thank you so much for this clarification about spaces. In my mind, a number in front (space or not) meant multiplication. Just so I'm sure I understand this clearly (the "know that you add the 2 and the 1/3" mixed me up as I don't seem to be "adding" them):

$2~\frac{1}{3}$ (with space) is the same as which is equal to $\frac{2}{3}$

...whereas :

$2 \frac{1}{3}$ (no space) is a mixed number which can be turned into the improper fraction $\frac{7}{3}$ Is that it ?

4. ## Re: Little confusion, 2 2/3 vs 2/3 2

Originally Posted by neurohype
Thank you so much for this clarification about spaces. In my mind, a number in front (space or not) meant multiplication. Just so I'm sure I understand this clearly (the "know that you add the 2 and the 1/3" mixed me up as I don't seem to be "adding" them):

$2~\frac{1}{3}$ (with space) is the same as which is equal to $\frac{2}{3}$

...whereas :

$2 \frac{1}{3}$ (no space) is a mixed number which can be turned into the improper fraction $\frac{7}{3}$ Is that it ?
Actually I'd do it the other way around, but the correct answers are somewhat arbitrary. My thought would be to ask your instructor which means what.

-Dan

5. ## Re: Little confusion, 2 2/3 vs 2/3 2

I finally got my distance tutor to contact me and he cleared it up for me.

Thanks again for all your input!