Solve the Fraction Addition: 1/3 + 1/6 Step-by-Step

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

13+16= \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{6}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:03 Let's solve the problem together.
00:06 First, we need to find the smallest common denominator.
00:10 We do this by multiplying by 2 to find a common denominator.
00:15 Remember, multiply both the numerator and the denominator.
00:20 Now, let's calculate these multiplications.
00:25 Next, we combine the fractions under the common denominator.
00:30 Let's work out the new numerator.
00:33 Reduce the fraction as much as possible to simplify it.
00:37 Don't forget to divide both the numerator and the denominator.
00:41 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

13+16= \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{6}=

2

Step-by-step solution

We need to find a common denominator for the fractions 13\frac{1}{3} and 16\frac{1}{6} in order to add them together.

Step 1: Identify the least common denominator (LCD).

  • The denominators are 3 and 6.
  • The least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 6 is 6. Hence, the LCD is 6.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD of 6.

  • 13\frac{1}{3} needs to be converted. Multiply both numerator and denominator by 2: 13=1×23×2=26\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 2}{3 \times 2} = \frac{2}{6}.
  • 16\frac{1}{6} already has the denominator as 6, so it remains 16\frac{1}{6}.

Step 3: Add the fractions.

  • Now that the denominators are the same, we can add the numerators: 26+16=2+16=36\frac{2}{6} + \frac{1}{6} = \frac{2 + 1}{6} = \frac{3}{6}.

Step 4: Simplify the result.

  • 36\frac{3}{6} can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 3: 36=3÷36÷3=12\frac{3}{6} = \frac{3 \div 3}{6 \div 3} = \frac{1}{2}.

Thus, the result of the addition of 13\frac{1}{3} and 16\frac{1}{6} is 12\frac{1}{2}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 12\frac{1}{2}.

3

Final Answer

12 \frac{1}{2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Rule: Find least common denominator before adding fractions
  • Technique: Convert 13 \frac{1}{3} to 26 \frac{2}{6} by multiplying by 2
  • Check: Simplify final answer - 36=12 \frac{3}{6} = \frac{1}{2} by dividing by GCD ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 13+16 \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{6} as 1+13+6=29 \frac{1+1}{3+6} = \frac{2}{9} ! This breaks fraction rules and gives wrong answers. Always find the LCD first, then convert both fractions before adding numerators only.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Complete the following exercise:

\( \frac{1}{2}:\frac{3}{5}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the least common denominator?

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Find the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. For 3 and 6, list multiples: 3 (3, 6, 9...) and 6 (6, 12, 18...). The LCD is 6 since it's the first number that appears in both lists!

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

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Because fractions represent parts of a whole. Adding 13+16 \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{6} as 29 \frac{2}{9} would be like adding 1 slice of a 3-piece pizza to 1 slice of a 6-piece pizza and saying you have 2 slices of a 9-piece pizza - that doesn't make sense!

What if one denominator is already the LCD?

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Great! That makes it easier. Like in this problem, 16 \frac{1}{6} already has denominator 6 (our LCD), so it stays the same. Only convert the other fraction.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes, always simplify! Your teacher expects the simplest form. 36 \frac{3}{6} isn't wrong, but 12 \frac{1}{2} is the preferred final answer because it's in lowest terms.

How do I know when my fraction is fully simplified?

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A fraction is simplified when the numerator and denominator have no common factors except 1. Find the GCD (Greatest Common Divisor) and divide both top and bottom by it. For 36 \frac{3}{6} , GCD is 3, so 3÷36÷3=12 \frac{3÷3}{6÷3} = \frac{1}{2} .

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