Question

Add write each sum in simplest form 5/12+1/4

Answer 1

Adding Fractions

Before solving for fractions, you must know what you're doing. This will list information you should know to solve fraction problems.

A fraction represents a part of a whole or, more generally, any number of equal parts. When spoken in everyday English, a fraction describes how many parts of a certain size there are, for example, one-half, eight-fifths, three-quarters

Step by Step Answer Explanation

`(5)/(12) + (1)/(4)` is our equation, so let's solve this step by step,

Common Denominator

As you can see, the fractions have unlike denominators. An unlike denominator is when 2 or more fractions have different denominators. One of our denominators is 12 and the other is 4, so this shows we have unlike denominators. The way we get the denominators to be the same is multiplying. Its a quicker method to easily make them the same. We can also skip count until the numbers meet:

12: 12,

4: 4, 8, 12

The fraction denominator can be 12. We can also prove that it is 12 by showing the Least Common Denominator, or LCD. LCD (5/12, 1/4) = 12.

`(5)/(12)` ×
`(1)/(1)` =
`(5)/(12)` . We multiply this by
`(1)/(1)` because the denominator is already 12.

`(1)/(4)` ×
`(3)/(3)` =
`(3)/(12)`. We multiply this by
`(3)/(3)` so we can make the denominator 12.

Adding the fractions

Now that we have our equation,
`(5)/(12)` +
`(3)/(12)`, we can easily add the fractions.

We do not add the denominators, however, we do add the numerators. We can express this as
`(5+3)/(12)`. 5 + 3 = 8. So, the numerator is 8. This means our answer is
`(8)/(12)`.

Reduce

As your question says the sum must be in simplest form, you must reduce the answer to get it in simplest form. To reduce, you must divide.
`(8)/(12)` can be reduced, or divided by 4 to get it to simplest form.
`(8)/(12)` ÷
`(4)/(4)` =
`(2)/(3)`.

Answer

Simplest form:
`(2)/(3)`

Not in its simplest form:
`(8)/(12)`