Solve the Fraction Addition: 1/5 + 3/10 + 2/5 Step-by-Step

Fraction Addition with Mixed Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

15+310+25=? \frac{1}{5}+\frac{3}{10}+\frac{2}{5}=\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 the 2 fractions with the small denominator by 2
00:07 We'll do this to get a common denominator of 10 in all fractions
00:13 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:28 Calculate the multiplications
00:37 Add under common denominator
00:45 Calculate the numerator
00:48 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:

15+310+25=? \frac{1}{5}+\frac{3}{10}+\frac{2}{5}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we need to add the fractions 15\frac{1}{5}, 310\frac{3}{10}, and 25\frac{2}{5}.

First, we need to find a common denominator for all the fractions. The denominators we have are 5, 10, and 5. The least common multiple (LCM) of these numbers is 10.

Let's convert each fraction to have a denominator of 10:

  • 15\frac{1}{5} can be converted to: 1×25×2=210\frac{1 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{2}{10}
  • 310\frac{3}{10} is already with a denominator of 10, so it remains: 310\frac{3}{10}
  • 25\frac{2}{5} can be converted to: 2×25×2=410\frac{2 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{4}{10}

Now we can add the fractions:

210+310+410=2+3+410=910\frac{2}{10} + \frac{3}{10} + \frac{4}{10} = \frac{2 + 3 + 4}{10} = \frac{9}{10}

Therefore, the sum of the fractions is 910\frac{9}{10}.

So, the solution to the problem is 910\frac{9}{10}.

3

Final Answer

910 \frac{9}{10}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Find LCD of all denominators before adding fractions
  • Technique: Convert 15 \frac{1}{5} to 210 \frac{2}{10} by multiplying by 22 \frac{2}{2}
  • Check: Add numerators only: 2 + 3 + 4 = 9, keep denominator 10 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators together with numerators
    Don't add 15+310 \frac{1}{5} + \frac{3}{10} as 415 \frac{4}{15} = completely wrong answer! This ignores the fundamental rule that denominators represent different-sized pieces. Always find a common denominator 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 denominators like I do with the numerators?

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Denominators tell us the size of each piece. Adding 15+310 \frac{1}{5} + \frac{3}{10} means combining fifths with tenths - they're different sizes! You must convert to the same size pieces first.

How do I find the LCD when the denominators are different?

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Look for the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. For 5 and 10, since 10 = 5 × 2, the LCD is 10. List multiples if needed: 5, 10, 15... and 10, 20, 30...

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes! Always check if your answer can be simplified. Since 910 \frac{9}{10} has no common factors between 9 and 10, it's already in lowest terms.

What if one fraction already has the common denominator?

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Great! Like 310 \frac{3}{10} in this problem - it stays the same. Only convert the fractions that don't have the common denominator yet.

Can I convert to a different common denominator instead of 10?

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You could use 20 or 30, but that makes extra work! Always use the least common denominator to keep numbers as small and manageable as possible.

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