Question

Convert these unlike fractions to equivalent like fractions and add them. You must use the LCM to get the answer correct. If possible, reduce the final sum.

a) 1/4 =
b) 5/12 =
c) 1/4 + 5/12 =

Answer 1

To add the unlike fractions 1/4 and 5/12, we find the LCM of the denominators, which is 12, and convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator. Adding them together, we get 8/12, which we then reduce to the final sum of 2/3.

Step-by-step explanation:

To convert unlike fractions to equivalent like fractions and add them, we begin by finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators. In our case, we need to find the LCM for 4 and 12.

The LCM of 4 and 12 is 12. We can convert 1/4 and 5/12 into fractions with a denominator of 12:

• 1/4 = 3/12 (Because 1 × 3 = 3 and 4 × 3 = 12)
• 5/12 = 5/12 (The fraction is already with a denominator of 12)

Now we can add 3/12 and 5/12:

• 3/12 + 5/12 = (3 + 5)/12
• This gives us 8/12.

Finally, we can reduce 8/12 by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, which is 4:

• 8/12 = 2/3 (Because 8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3)

The final sum of 1/4 + 5/12 is therefore 2/3.