Add the whole numbers first: 2+5=7; now add the fractions using a common denominator (40): express each fraction in terms of 40ths: 3/8=5*3/5*8=15/40; 3/5=8*3/8*5=24/40. 15 40ths plus 24 40ths=39 40ths (just as 15 apples plus 24 apples equals 39 apples). Join this to the sum of the whole numbers: 7 39/40.