Solve the Fraction Addition: 2/4 + 1/6 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

24+16=? \frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{6}=\text{?}

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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 Therefore we'll multiply by 3, by 2 respectively for the common denominator 12
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:26 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:34 Add under common denominator
00:39 Calculate the numerator
00:43 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:

24+16=? \frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding 24 \frac{2}{4} and 16 \frac{1}{6} , follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the least common denominator of the fractions.

The denominators of the fractions are 4 and 6. The least common multiple of 4 and 6 is 12, so 12 is our common denominator.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the denominator of 12.

  • For 24 \frac{2}{4} : Multiply both numerator and denominator by 3 to obtain 612 \frac{6}{12} . This is because 4×3=12 4 \times 3 = 12 .

  • For 16 \frac{1}{6} : Multiply both numerator and denominator by 2 to obtain 212 \frac{2}{12} . This is because 6×2=12 {6 \times 2 = 12} .

Step 3: Add the converted fractions.

612+212=6+212=812 \frac{6}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{6 + 2}{12} = \frac{8}{12}

Step 4: Simplify the final fraction if possible.

In this case, 812 \frac{8}{12} can be simplified by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 4. Thus, 812 \frac{8}{12} simplifies to 23 \frac{2}{3} .

However, as per the problem's required answer, the unsimplified fraction is 812 \frac{8}{12} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is:

812 \frac{8}{12}

3

Final Answer

812 \frac{8}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find least common denominator before adding fractions
  • Technique: Convert 24 \frac{2}{4} to 612 \frac{6}{12} and 16 \frac{1}{6} to 212 \frac{2}{12}
  • Check: Verify LCD is correct: 4 and 6 both divide into 12 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators directly
    Don't add 24+16 \frac{2}{4} + \frac{1}{6} as 310 \frac{3}{10} ! This ignores that fractions need common denominators to add. Always find the LCD first and convert both fractions before adding 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 2+1 and 4+6?

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You can only add fractions when they have the same denominator! Think of it like adding apples and oranges - you need to convert them to the same unit first. 24 \frac{2}{4} means 2 pieces out of 4, while 16 \frac{1}{6} means 1 piece out of 6 - completely different sized pieces!

How do I find the least common denominator of 4 and 6?

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List the multiples of each number: 4: 4, 8, 12, 16... and 6: 6, 12, 18... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 12, so that's your LCD!

What if I can't remember how to convert the fractions?

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Ask yourself: "What do I multiply the denominator by to get the LCD?" For 24 \frac{2}{4} : 4 × 3 = 12, so multiply top and bottom by 3. For 16 \frac{1}{6} : 6 × 2 = 12, so multiply top and bottom by 2.

Should I simplify my final answer?

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It depends on what the problem asks for! In this case, the answer choices show 812 \frac{8}{12} , so that's what they want. But remember that 812=23 \frac{8}{12} = \frac{2}{3} when simplified.

What if the denominators are really big numbers?

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The same process works! Just take your time finding the least common multiple. You can also use prime factorization to make it easier - break each number into prime factors, then use each factor the maximum number of times it appears.

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