Solve 2/6 + 1/6: Adding Fractions with Common Denominators

Q: Why don't I add the denominators too?

The denominator tells you what size pieces you're working with. In $ \frac{2}{6} + \frac{1}{6} $, both fractions use sixths, so you're just adding how many sixths you have: 2 sixths + 1 sixth = 3 sixths.

Q: What if I can simplify the answer?

Great thinking! $ \frac{3}{6} $ can be simplified to $ \frac{1}{2} $ by dividing both numerator and denominator by 3. Both answers are correct, but simplified form is usually preferred.

Q: How does the visual diagram help me understand this?

The rectangle is divided into 6 equal parts. You can see that 2 parts are shaded from the first fraction, and 1 more part represents the second fraction. Adding them gives you 3 shaded parts out of 6 total.

Q: What if the denominators were different?

If denominators don't match, you need to find a common denominator first. But here, both fractions already have 6 as the denominator, so you can add directly!

Q: Can I use this method for subtraction too?

Yes! When denominators are the same, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator. For example: $ \frac{5}{8} - \frac{2}{8} = \frac{3}{8} $.

Fraction Addition with Same Denominators

$\frac{2}{6}+\frac{1}{6}=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:06 Let's solve this problem step by step.

00:09 First, color the right number of squares, as shown in the data.

00:16 Next, count them and add to the top number in our fraction.

00:20 The bottom number in the fraction is the total squares we divided.

00:26 Great job! And that's how we find the solution.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\frac{2}{6}+\frac{1}{6}=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding the fractions $\frac{2}{6} + \frac{1}{6}$ , follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify that both fractions have the same denominator.
Step 2: Add the numerators of the fractions together, as they share the same denominator.
Step 3: Write the result with the common denominator.

Let's work through these steps:

Step 1: Both fractions, $\frac{2}{6}$ and $\frac{1}{6}$ , have the same denominator, 6.

Step 2: Add the numerators: $2 + 1 = 3$ .

Step 3: Place the result over the common denominator: $\frac{3}{6}$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{3}{6}$ . This matches the answer choice: .

Final Answer

$\frac{3}{6}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When denominators match, add only the numerators together
Technique: $\frac{2}{6} + \frac{1}{6} = \frac{2+1}{6} = \frac{3}{6}$
Check: Count visual parts: 2 parts + 1 part = 3 parts out of 6 total ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding both numerators and denominators
Don't add 2+1=3 and 6+6=12 to get $\frac{3}{12}$ ! This creates a completely different fraction that doesn't represent the actual sum. Always keep the same denominator and add only the numerators when denominators match.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ $\frac{4}{5}+\frac{1}{5}=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't I add the denominators too?

The denominator tells you what size pieces you're working with. In $\frac{2}{6} + \frac{1}{6}$ , both fractions use sixths, so you're just adding how many sixths you have: 2 sixths + 1 sixth = 3 sixths.

What if I can simplify the answer?

Great thinking! $\frac{3}{6}$ can be simplified to $\frac{1}{2}$ by dividing both numerator and denominator by 3. Both answers are correct, but simplified form is usually preferred.

How does the visual diagram help me understand this?

The rectangle is divided into 6 equal parts. You can see that 2 parts are shaded from the first fraction, and 1 more part represents the second fraction. Adding them gives you 3 shaded parts out of 6 total.

What if the denominators were different?

If denominators don't match, you need to find a common denominator first. But here, both fractions already have 6 as the denominator, so you can add directly!

Can I use this method for subtraction too?

Yes! When denominators are the same, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator. For example: $\frac{5}{8} - \frac{2}{8} = \frac{3}{8}$ .

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