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Multiply every term in the expression by the least common multiple of all the denominators. That will get rid of all fractions.
You can have algebraic fractions but, even there, the letters do represent numbers; except that their values are indeterminate.
The answer would be -7 4/5. First convert the mixed numbers into fractions. Then use the algebraic formula for addition of fractions: a/b + c/d = (ad + bc) / bd. Last, reduce the fractions.
Only Fractions with a Common Denominator can be directly compared.
Historically, any number that did not represent a whole was called a "fraction". The numbers that we now call "decimals" were originally called "decimal fractions"; the numbers we now call "fractions" were called "vulgar fractions", the word "vulgar" meaning "commonplace". The word is also used in related expressions, such as continued fraction and algebraic fraction-see Special cases below.