Add the two times by converting to improper fractions with a common denominator.<br><br>
&bull; \(1\frac{1}{3} = \frac{4}{3}\) and \(1\frac{7}{12} = \frac{19}{12}\)<br>
&bull; LCM of 3 and 12 is 12.<br>
&bull; \(\frac{4}{3} = \frac{16}{12}\)<br>
&bull; \(\frac{16}{12} + \frac{19}{12} = \frac{35}{12}\)<br>
&bull; Convert to mixed number: \(\frac{35}{12} = 2\frac{11}{12}\)<br><br>
Tom took \(2\frac{11}{12}\) hours altogether.<br>
Check: \(2\frac{11}{12} - 1\frac{1}{3} = 2\frac{11}{12} - 1\frac{4}{12} = 1\frac{7}{12}\). ✓