To add rational numbers, you can follow these steps:
1. Make sure the denominators of the fractions are the same. If they are different, find a common denominator by finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
2. Once you have the same denominators, you can add the numerators together.
3. Write the sum of the numerators over the common denominator.
4. Simplify the fraction if possible by reducing it to its lowest terms.
Here's an example:
Let's add the rational numbers 2/3 and 5/6:
Step 1: Check the denominators. In this case, the denominators are different (3 and 6).
Step 2: Find the least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 6, which is 6.
Step 3: Rewrite the fractions with a common denominator:
2/3 = (2 * 2)/(3 * 2) = 4/6
5/6 remains the same.
Step 4: Add the numerators together:
4/6 + 5/6 = 9/6
Step 5: Simplify the fraction:
9/6 can be reduced to 3/2 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 3.
So, the sum of 2/3 and 5/6 is 3/2.