Solve the following exercise:
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Solve the following exercise:
To solve the problem , we'll perform the following steps:
Let's work through each step:
Step 1: Identify a common denominator for the fractions. The denominators are 5, 10, and 5. The least common multiple of these numbers is 10.
Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the common denominator of 10:
Step 3: Subtract the fractions:
.
Thus, the result of the subtraction is .
\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)
Fractions represent parts of a whole. You can only subtract when the parts are the same size! Think of it like trying to subtract 4 apples from 3 oranges - you need to convert everything to the same 'unit' first.
Look at your denominators: 5, 10, and 5. Since 10 is already a multiple of 5, the LCD is 10! When one denominator divides evenly into another, the larger one is usually your LCD.
Work left to right after converting to common denominators. So becomes 8 - 3 - 2 = 3 in the numerator, giving .
Always check if you can simplify! In this case, cannot be simplified further because 3 and 10 share no common factors other than 1.
Yes, but using the LCD (Least Common Denominator) keeps your numbers smaller and makes calculations easier. You could use 20 or 30, but why make it harder on yourself?
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