Take the mixed number apart and have a whole number and a fraction 1+4 and 5/8 + 7/8 1+4=5 5/8 + 7/8 = 12/8 12/8 = 1 4/8 Add 5 to 1 4/8 5 + 1 4/8 = 6 4/8 1 5/8 + 4 7/8 = 6 4/8 In simplest term, the answer is also 6 1/2 ------------------------------------------------- Another way to solve it is by turning both 1 5/8 and 4 7/8 into improper fractions. 1 5/8 = 13/8 4 7/8 = 39/8 Add them. 13/8 + 39/8 = 52/8 Turn 52/8 into a mixed number. 52/8 = 6 4/8 Simplify it to get 6 1/2.