Solve the Fraction Addition: 2/11 + 1/2 Step by Step

Fractions represent parts of a whole, and you can only add parts when they're the same size! $\frac{2}{11}$ means 2 pieces out of 11, while $\frac{1}{2}$ means 1 piece out of 2. These pieces are different sizes, so we need a common denominator first.

For fractions like $\frac{2}{11}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$, multiply the denominators: 11 × 2 = 22. This gives you pieces that are all the same size!

Not always! If one denominator divides evenly into the other, use the larger one. But when denominators have no common factors (like 11 and 2), multiplying them gives the Least Common Multiple.

Convert each fraction: $\frac{2}{11} = \frac{2 \times 2}{22} = \frac{4}{22}$ and $\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 11}{22} = \frac{11}{22}$. Then add the numerators only: 4 + 11 = 15.

Always check if your answer can be simplified! Look for common factors in the numerator and denominator. In this case, $\frac{15}{22}$ cannot be simplified further since 15 and 22 share no common factors.