Solve: Adding Fractions 3/5 + 4/15 with Unlike Denominators

Fraction Addition with LCD Method

Solve the following exercise:

35+415=? \frac{3}{5}+\frac{4}{15}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:05 Let's solve this problem step by step.
00:09 First, we need to multiply the fraction by 3 to get a common denominator. This will help us add the fractions.
00:16 Remember the important rule: when we multiply a fraction, we must multiply both the top number (numerator) and bottom number (denominator).
00:25 Now, let's work out all the multiplications carefully.
00:31 Great! Now we can add the fractions since they have the same denominator.
00:37 Let's add the numbers in the numerator while keeping the same denominator.
00:41 And there we have it! We've found our solution. Well done for following along!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

35+415=? \frac{3}{5}+\frac{4}{15}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding 35+415 \frac{3}{5} + \frac{4}{15} , we follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify a common denominator for the fractions. Since 15 is a multiple of 5, we can use 15 as the common denominator.
  • Step 2: Convert 35 \frac{3}{5} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 15.
  • Step 3: Add the fractions once they have a common denominator.
  • Step 4: Simplify the result if possible.

Let's solve each step:
Step 1: Our common denominator is 15.
Step 2: To convert 35 \frac{3}{5} to a fraction with a denominator of 15, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 3:
35=3×35×3=915 \frac{3}{5} = \frac{3 \times 3}{5 \times 3} = \frac{9}{15} .
Step 3: Now add 915 \frac{9}{15} and 415 \frac{4}{15} :
915+415=9+415=1315 \frac{9}{15} + \frac{4}{15} = \frac{9 + 4}{15} = \frac{13}{15} .
Step 4: The fraction 1315\frac{13}{15} is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1315\frac{13}{15}.

3

Final Answer

1315 \frac{13}{15}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before adding unlike fraction denominators
  • Technique: Convert 35 \frac{3}{5} to 915 \frac{9}{15} by multiplying by 3
  • Check: Verify 915+415=1315 \frac{9}{15} + \frac{4}{15} = \frac{13}{15} cannot be simplified ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 35+415 \frac{3}{5} + \frac{4}{15} as 3+45+15=720 \frac{3+4}{5+15} = \frac{7}{20} ! This breaks fraction addition rules and gives completely wrong answers. Always convert to common denominators first, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \)\( \frac{4}{5}+\frac{1}{5}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 35 \frac{3}{5} means 3 parts of 5, while 415 \frac{4}{15} means 4 parts of 15. You need the same sized parts to add them together.

How do I know 15 is the right common denominator?

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Since 15 is a multiple of 5 (15 = 5 × 3), it's the least common denominator. You could use 30 or 45, but 15 makes the math easier!

What if the common denominator isn't obvious?

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List the multiples of each denominator and find the smallest number that appears in both lists. For example: 5 (5,10,15,20...) and 15 (15,30,45...) share 15 as the smallest common multiple.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes, if possible! Check if the numerator and denominator share any common factors. Since 13 and 15 share no common factors except 1, 1315 \frac{13}{15} is already simplified.

What if I get the wrong common denominator?

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Any common multiple will work, but using a larger number makes the calculation harder. If you use 30 instead of 15, you'll get 2630 \frac{26}{30} , which simplifies to the same answer!

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