Solve: 2/3 + 1/4 + 5/6 + 1/12 Addition Problem

Fraction Addition with Multiple Denominators

23+14+56+112= \frac{2}{3}+\frac{1}{4}+\frac{5}{6}+\frac{1}{12}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We want to find the least common denominator
00:06 Therefore we'll multiply 4, 3, and 2 respectively to find the common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:35 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:46 Let's add under the common denominator
00:55 Let's calculate the numerator
01:03 Let's reduce the fraction as much as possible
01:07 Remember to divide both numerator and denominator
01:10 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

23+14+56+112= \frac{2}{3}+\frac{1}{4}+\frac{5}{6}+\frac{1}{12}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Determine the least common denominator (LCD) for all fractions.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the LCD as the denominator.
  • Step 3: Add the numerators of the fractions with the common denominator.
  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.

Now, let’s work through each step:

Step 1: The denominators are 3, 4, 6, and 12. The least common multiple of these numbers is 12. Thus, the LCD is 12.

Step 2: Convert each fraction:
- 23 \frac{2}{3} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12:
Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 4 to get 2×43×4=812 \frac{2 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{8}{12} .
- 14 \frac{1}{4} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12:
Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3 to get 1×34×3=312 \frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{3}{12} .
- 56 \frac{5}{6} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12:
Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2 to get 5×26×2=1012 \frac{5 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{10}{12} .
- 112 \frac{1}{12} is already with the denominator 12, so it remains 112 \frac{1}{12} .

Step 3: Add the numerators of these fractions:
812+312+1012+112=8+3+10+112=2212 \frac{8}{12} + \frac{3}{12} + \frac{10}{12} + \frac{1}{12} = \frac{8 + 3 + 10 + 1}{12} = \frac{22}{12}

Step 4: Simplify the fraction.
Since 22 and 12 share the common divisor 2, we simplify 2212 \frac{22}{12} to 116 \frac{11}{6} . This fraction cannot be simplified further.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 116 \frac{11}{6} .

3

Final Answer

116 \frac{11}{6}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Rule: Find least common multiple of all denominators first
  • Technique: Convert 23 \frac{2}{3} to 812 \frac{8}{12} by multiplying by 4
  • Check: Verify LCD is correct: 12 ÷ 3 = 4, 12 ÷ 4 = 3, 12 ÷ 6 = 2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators together instead of finding LCD
    Don't add denominators like 3 + 4 + 6 + 12 = 25 and use 25 as common denominator = impossible conversions! This creates fractions that don't equal the originals. Always find the least common multiple of denominators as your LCD.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{4}= \)\( \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the LCD of 3, 4, 6, and 12?

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List multiples of the largest number first: 12, 24, 36... Then check if smaller numbers divide evenly. Since 12 ÷ 3 = 4, 12 ÷ 4 = 3, and 12 ÷ 6 = 2, the LCD is 12!

Why can't I just add the numerators and denominators separately?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 23 \frac{2}{3} means 2 parts of 3, while 14 \frac{1}{4} means 1 part of 4. You need a common denominator to add them properly.

What if my final answer is an improper fraction?

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That's perfectly fine! 116 \frac{11}{6} is correct as-is. You can also write it as a mixed number: 156 1\frac{5}{6} , but the improper fraction is usually preferred in algebra.

How do I know if I need to simplify my answer?

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Always check if the numerator and denominator share common factors. Since 11 and 6 share no common factors other than 1, 116 \frac{11}{6} is already in simplest form!

Can I use a different common denominator instead of the LCD?

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Yes, but it makes the problem harder! You could use 24 or 36, but you'd get larger numbers like 4424 \frac{44}{24} that need more simplifying. The LCD always gives the smallest numbers.

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