Solve: 2/7 + 1/2 - 7/14 Fraction Operation Challenge

Fraction Operations with Mixed Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

27+12714=? \frac{2}{7}+\frac{1}{2}-\frac{7}{14}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 Let's solve the problem.
00:11 We need to find the least common denominator.
00:14 We'll multiply by 2 and 7 respectively to get a common denominator.
00:19 Remember, multiply both the top and bottom by these numbers.
00:28 Now, let's do those multiplications together.
00:35 Next, we'll add the fractions under the common denominator.
00:41 Notice how the factors cancel each other out.
00:47 And that's how we find the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

27+12714=? \frac{2}{7}+\frac{1}{2}-\frac{7}{14}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the expression 27+12714 \frac{2}{7} + \frac{1}{2} - \frac{7}{14} , we need to add and subtract fractions, which requires a common denominator.

  • Step 1: Identify the denominators and find the least common denominator (LCD):
    • The denominators are 7, 2, and 14.
    • The LCM of 7, 2, and 14 is 14.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the denominator 14:
    • 27=2×27×2=414 \frac{2}{7} = \frac{2 \times 2}{7 \times 2} = \frac{4}{14}
    • 12=1×72×7=714 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 7}{2 \times 7} = \frac{7}{14}
    • 714 \frac{7}{14} is already in the form with denominator 14.
  • Step 3: Perform the operations using the common denominator:
    • Add the first two fractions: 414+714=1114 \frac{4}{14} + \frac{7}{14} = \frac{11}{14}
    • Subtract the third fraction: 1114714=414 \frac{11}{14} - \frac{7}{14} = \frac{4}{14}
  • Step 4: Simplify the result if necessary:
    • 414 \frac{4}{14} is already simplified to its simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to the expression 27+12714 \frac{2}{7} + \frac{1}{2} - \frac{7}{14} is 414 \frac{4}{14} , which matches choice 3.

3

Final Answer

414 \frac{4}{14}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Rule: Find least common denominator before adding or subtracting fractions
  • Technique: Convert 27=414 \frac{2}{7} = \frac{4}{14} and 12=714 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{7}{14}
  • Check: Verify 414+714714=414 \frac{4}{14} + \frac{7}{14} - \frac{7}{14} = \frac{4}{14}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 27+12 \frac{2}{7} + \frac{1}{2} as 39 \frac{3}{9} ! This ignores fraction rules and gives meaningless results. Always find the LCD first and convert all fractions to equivalent forms with the same denominator.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

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Fractions represent parts of a whole. Adding 27+12 \frac{2}{7} + \frac{1}{2} as 39 \frac{3}{9} is like adding 2 sevenths to 1 half and calling it 3 ninths - it makes no mathematical sense!

How do I find the LCD of 7, 2, and 14?

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List multiples: 7 = 7, 14, 21... and 2 = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 14, which is also already our third denominator.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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It's good practice! 414 \frac{4}{14} can be simplified to 27 \frac{2}{7} by dividing both numerator and denominator by 2, but both forms are mathematically correct.

What if the denominators don't have an obvious LCD?

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Use prime factorization! Break each denominator into prime factors, then multiply the highest power of each prime that appears. This always gives you the LCD.

Can I solve this problem in a different order?

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Yes! You could group differently: 27+(12714) \frac{2}{7} + (\frac{1}{2} - \frac{7}{14}) , but you'll still need the same LCD of 14 and get the same answer.

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