Solve Fraction Addition: 4/12 + 5/6 Step-by-Step Solution

Fraction Addition with Common Denominators

412+56= \frac{4}{12}+\frac{5}{6}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:05 Let's solve this math problem together.
00:08 First, find the smallest common denominator.
00:12 Next, multiply by two to get the common denominator.
00:16 Remember, multiply both the numerator and the denominator.
00:22 Now, let's calculate those multiplications.
00:28 Add them up under the common denominator.
00:35 Calculate the numerator now.
00:40 Time to reduce the fraction as much as possible.
00:45 Divide both the numerator and the denominator.
00:50 And that's how we find the solution. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

412+56= \frac{4}{12}+\frac{5}{6}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will add the fractions 412 \frac{4}{12} and 56 \frac{5}{6} . Follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find the least common denominator (LCD) of the fractions. The denominators are 12 and 6. The LCD is 12 because it is the smallest number into which both 12 and 6 divide evenly.
  • Step 2: Convert the fractions to have the common denominator 12. The fraction 412 \frac{4}{12} is already expressed with this denominator.
  • Step 3: Convert 56 \frac{5}{6} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12. To do this, determine what number times 6 gives 12, which is 2. Multiply both the numerator and the denominator of 56 \frac{5}{6} by 2:
  • 56=5×26×2=1012\frac{5}{6} = \frac{5 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{10}{12}
  • Step 4: Add the fractions now that they have the same denominator:
  • 412+1012=4+1012=1412\frac{4}{12} + \frac{10}{12} = \frac{4 + 10}{12} = \frac{14}{12}
  • Step 5: Simplify the resulting fraction, 1412 \frac{14}{12} . Both the numerator and the denominator are divisible by 2, so:
  • 1412=14÷212÷2=76\frac{14}{12} = \frac{14 \div 2}{12 \div 2} = \frac{7}{6}

Thus, the sum of the fractions 412 \frac{4}{12} and 56 \frac{5}{6} is 76 \frac{7}{6} .

Therefore, the correct answer is 76 \frac{7}{6} .

3

Final Answer

76 \frac{7}{6}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Rule: Find the smallest common denominator before adding fractions
  • Convert Method: Change 56 \frac{5}{6} to 1012 \frac{10}{12} by multiplying by 2
  • Simplify Check: Reduce 1412 \frac{14}{12} to 76 \frac{7}{6} by dividing by GCD ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 412+56 \frac{4}{12} + \frac{5}{6} as 918 \frac{9}{18} ! This ignores the need for common denominators and gives completely wrong results. Always convert to the same denominator first, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Complete the following exercise:

\( \frac{3}{4}:\frac{5}{6}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

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Fractions represent parts of a whole, and you can only add parts when they're the same size! Adding 412+56 \frac{4}{12} + \frac{5}{6} as 918 \frac{9}{18} is like adding 4 pizza slices from a 12-slice pizza to 5 slices from a 6-slice pizza - they're different sizes!

How do I find the LCD of 12 and 6?

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List the multiples of each number: 12: 12, 24, 36... and 6: 6, 12, 18, 24... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 12, so that's your LCD!

What if I can't simplify the final answer?

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That's okay! Not all fraction answers can be simplified further. Just check if the greatest common divisor of the numerator and denominator is 1 - if so, you're done!

Is there a shortcut when one denominator divides evenly into the other?

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Yes! When 6 divides evenly into 12, the larger number (12) is automatically your LCD. This saves time compared to finding multiples of both numbers.

How do I check if my answer is correct?

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Convert your final answer back to decimals and compare: 412+56=0.33...+0.83...=1.167 \frac{4}{12} + \frac{5}{6} = 0.33... + 0.83... = 1.167 and 76=1.167 \frac{7}{6} = 1.167

Why do we need to simplify the final fraction?

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Simplifying gives you the most reduced form, which is the standard mathematical convention. 76 \frac{7}{6} is cleaner and easier to work with than 1412 \frac{14}{12} !

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