Part I: Determining the common denominator of the terms
Given expression:
To simplify the expression, we need to determine the common denominator of both fractions (1/3 and 2/12). To determine the common denominator of both fractions, we need to determine the LCM of the denominators (12 and 3). Simply write the multiples of (12 and 3) and determine the least common multiple (LCM).
- ⇒ Multiples of three: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18...
- ⇒ Multiples of twelve: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60...
Since the LCM is 12, our common denominator is 12.
Part II: Multiplying both denominators by a number which is equivalent to 12
Now, multiply both denominators by a number such that the denominators are equivalent to 12. Keep in mind that the number you multiply the denominator should also be multiplied to the numerator.
Part III: Adding the fractions
Since the denominators are the same, we can now add the fractions;
Part IV: Simplifying the fraction obtained from the above
Since 6 is divisible by 12, we can further simplify the fraction.