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

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

24+26=? \frac{2}{4}+\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solution
00:03 We want to find the least common denominator
00:09 Therefore we'll multiply by 3, by 2 respectively for the common denominator 12
00:14 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:28 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:34 Add under common denominator
00:40 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+26=? \frac{2}{4}+\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the fraction addition problem 24+26\frac{2}{4} + \frac{2}{6}, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the least common denominator (LCD) of the fractions. The denominators are 4 and 6. The factors of 4 are 2 and 2, and the factors of 6 are 2 and 3. The LCD is the smallest number that both denominators divide into, which is 12.

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

  • Step 3: For 24\frac{2}{4}:

    • Find the equivalent fraction: Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3 (since 4 * 3 = 12).

    • The equivalent fraction is 2×34×3=612\frac{2 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{6}{12}.

  • Step 4: For 26\frac{2}{6}:

    • Find the equivalent fraction: Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2 (since 6 * 2 = 12).

    • The equivalent fraction is 2×26×2=412\frac{2 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{4}{12}.

  • Step 5: Add the new fractions: 612+412=1012\frac{6}{12} + \frac{4}{12} = \frac{10}{12}.

Therefore, the sum of the fractions is 1012\boxed{\frac{10}{12}}.

3

Final Answer

1012 \frac{10}{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 26 \frac{2}{6} to 412 \frac{4}{12}
  • Check: Verify LCD by confirming 12 is divisible by both 4 and 6 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 24+26 \frac{2}{4} + \frac{2}{6} as 410 \frac{4}{10} ! This ignores different denominators and gives completely wrong results. 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+2 = 4 and 4+6 = 10?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 24 \frac{2}{4} means 2 parts out of 4, while 26 \frac{2}{6} means 2 parts out of 6. You need a common denominator to add them properly.

How do I find the LCD of 4 and 6?

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List the multiples of each number until you find the smallest one they share:

  • Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20...
  • Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24...

The LCD is 12!

What if my final answer can be simplified?

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Always check if you can simplify! 1012 \frac{10}{12} can be simplified to 56 \frac{5}{6} by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor of 2.

Do I always need to convert both fractions?

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Yes! Both fractions must have the same denominator before you can add them. Even if one fraction already has the LCD as its denominator, you still need to convert the other one.

What happens if I use the wrong common denominator?

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You'll get the wrong answer! If you use 24 instead of 12, you'll get 2024 \frac{20}{24} , which equals 56 \frac{5}{6} - the same as 1012 \frac{10}{12} , but using the least common denominator makes calculations easier.

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