Solve Fraction Addition: 5/6 + 2/3 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

56+23= \frac{5}{6}+\frac{2}{3}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We want to find the least common denominator
00:06 Multiply each fraction by the other denominator to find the common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:21 Calculate the multiplications
00:31 Add under the common denominator
00:35 Calculate the numerator
00:42 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:46 Remember to divide both numerator and denominator
00:50 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

56+23= \frac{5}{6}+\frac{2}{3}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify a common denominator for the fractions.
  • Step 2: Convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with the common denominator.
  • Step 3: Add the fractions by summing the numerators.
  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if necessary.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Identify a common denominator.
The denominators of the fractions are 6 and 3.
The least common multiple (LCM) of 6 and 3 is 6.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to equivalent fractions with a common denominator.
56\frac{5}{6} is already expressed with the denominator 6.
To convert 23\frac{2}{3} to a fraction with the denominator 6, we multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 2:
23×22=46\frac{2}{3} \times \frac{2}{2} = \frac{4}{6}.

Step 3: Add the fractions.
Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can add them:
56+46=96\frac{5}{6} + \frac{4}{6} = \frac{9}{6}.

Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction.
The fraction 96\frac{9}{6} can be simplified by dividing the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 3:
96=9÷36÷3=32\frac{9}{6} = \frac{9 \div 3}{6 \div 3} = \frac{3}{2}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 32 \frac{3}{2} .

3

Final Answer

32 \frac{3}{2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before adding fractions with different denominators
  • Technique: Convert 23 \frac{2}{3} to 46 \frac{4}{6} by multiplying by 22 \frac{2}{2}
  • Check: Simplify final answer: 96 \frac{9}{6} ÷ 3 = 32 \frac{3}{2}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 56+23 \frac{5}{6} + \frac{2}{3} as 79 \frac{7}{9} by adding 5+2 and 6+3! This ignores that fractions represent parts of different wholes. Always find a common 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 top numbers and bottom numbers?

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Because fractions represent parts of different-sized wholes! Adding 56+23 \frac{5}{6} + \frac{2}{3} as 79 \frac{7}{9} is like adding 5 slices of a 6-piece pizza to 2 slices of a 3-piece pizza - they're different sizes!

How do I find the least common denominator?

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Find the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. For 6 and 3: since 6 is already a multiple of 3, the LCD is 6. List multiples if needed: 3, 6, 9, 12... and 6, 12, 18...

Do I always need to simplify my answer?

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Yes, always simplify to lowest terms! 96 \frac{9}{6} and 32 \frac{3}{2} are equal, but 32 \frac{3}{2} is the simplified form that's easier to understand and use.

What if the LCD is bigger than both denominators?

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That's normal! For example, with 14+16 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{6} , the LCD is 12. You'll need to convert both fractions: 312+212=512 \frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{5}{12} .

Can I convert to decimals instead?

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You could, but fractions are often more exact. Converting 23 \frac{2}{3} to 0.6667... creates rounding errors. Stick with fractions when possible for precise answers!

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