Solve:
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Solve:
To solve the problem, we will follow these steps:
Let's begin solving the problem:
Step 1: Simplify each fraction.
- simplifies to since both numerator and denominator can be divided by 4.
- The fractions , , and are already in their simplest forms.
Step 2: Find the common denominator.
The denominators are 4 and 8. The least common denominator (LCD) is 8.
Step 3: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with this common denominator:
- becomes because .
- simplifies to (due to subtracting a negative, which makes it positive).
- remains unchanged, as it already has the common denominator.
- becomes for the same reason as above.
Step 4: Perform the operations:
.
Adding and subtracting these fractions with a common denominator:
- Combine them as .
Therefore, the solution to the problem is .
\( \frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{4}= \)\( \)
When you subtract a negative number, it's the same as adding that number! Think of it as: minus a negative equals plus. So -(-3/8) = +3/8.
Yes! Always simplify first, like changing to . This makes finding the LCD much easier and reduces calculation errors.
List the multiples of each denominator and find the smallest common one. For 4, 8, and 16: the LCD is 16 because it's divisible by all three.
Always check if your answer is in lowest terms! For example, if you get , simplify it to by dividing both numerator and denominator by their GCD.
Not recommended! Working left to right with different denominators creates more complex fractions. Converting to a common denominator first makes the addition and subtraction much simpler.
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