Solve the Fraction Addition: 1/10 + 1/3 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Unlike Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

110+13=? \frac{1}{10}+\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Multiply each fraction by the second denominator to find a common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:22 Calculate the multiplications
00:28 Add under common denominator
00:34 Calculate the numerator
00:38 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

110+13=? \frac{1}{10}+\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the addition of fractions 110+13 \frac{1}{10} + \frac{1}{3} , we must first find a common denominator.

  • Step 1: Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators, 10 and 3. By multiplying these denominators, the LCM is 10×3=30 10 \times 3 = 30 .

  • Step 2: Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator of 30:
    - Convert 110 \frac{1}{10} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 30. Multiply both numerator and denominator by 3: 110=1×310×3=330 \frac{1}{10} = \frac{1 \times 3}{10 \times 3} = \frac{3}{30}
    - Convert 13 \frac{1}{3} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 30. Multiply both numerator and denominator by 10: 13=1×103×10=1030 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 10}{3 \times 10} = \frac{10}{30}

  • Step 3: Add the equivalent fractions: 330+1030=3+1030=1330 \frac{3}{30} + \frac{10}{30} = \frac{3 + 10}{30} = \frac{13}{30}

  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction. Since 13 is a prime number and does not divide 30, 1330\frac{13}{30} is already in its simplest form.

Thus, the sum of 110 \frac{1}{10} and 13 \frac{1}{3} is 1330 \frac{13}{30} .

The correct answer is 1330 \frac{13}{30} , which corresponds to choice 4.

3

Final Answer

1330 \frac{13}{30}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Find LCM of denominators to add fractions
  • Technique: Convert 110 \frac{1}{10} to 330 \frac{3}{30} and 13 \frac{1}{3} to 1030 \frac{10}{30}
  • Check: Verify 330+1030=1330 \frac{3}{30} + \frac{10}{30} = \frac{13}{30} and simplify if possible ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 110+13 \frac{1}{10} + \frac{1}{3} as 1+110+3=213 \frac{1+1}{10+3} = \frac{2}{13} ! This ignores that fractions represent parts of different-sized 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 tops and bottoms separately?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 110 \frac{1}{10} means 1 piece out of 10, while 13 \frac{1}{3} means 1 piece out of 3. These pieces are different sizes, so you need a common denominator first.

How do I find the LCM of 10 and 3?

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Since 10 and 3 share no common factors (they're relatively prime), their LCM is simply 10×3=30 10 \times 3 = 30 . For other numbers, list multiples or use prime factorization.

Do I always multiply denominators to get the LCM?

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Not always! Only when denominators share no common factors. For example, LCM of 6 and 9 is 18, not 54. Always look for the smallest common multiple.

Why is 13/30 already simplified?

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Because 13 is a prime number and doesn't divide evenly into 30. Since they share no common factors except 1, 1330 \frac{13}{30} is in lowest terms.

What if I got a different common denominator?

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You can use any common denominator, but using the LCM makes calculations easier with smaller numbers. Using 60 instead of 30 would give 2660 \frac{26}{60} , which simplifies to the same answer.

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