Solve the Fraction Addition: 2/5 + 1/6

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

25+16= \frac{2}{5}+\frac{1}{6}=

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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 Multiply each fraction by the other denominator to find the common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:29 Calculate the multiplications
00:37 Add under the common denominator
00:43 Calculate the numerator
00:47 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

25+16= \frac{2}{5}+\frac{1}{6}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding 25 \frac{2}{5} and 16 \frac{1}{6} , we need to find a common denominator. We do this by multiplying the denominators: 5×6=30 5 \times 6 = 30 . This is the smallest common multiple of the two denominators and ensures that each fraction can be represented with a common base, allowing addition.

Let's convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator of 30:

  • Convert 25 \frac{2}{5} : Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 6 to get 2×65×6=1230 \frac{2 \times 6}{5 \times 6} = \frac{12}{30} .

  • Convert 16 \frac{1}{6} : Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 5 to get 1×56×5=530 \frac{1 \times 5}{6 \times 5} = \frac{5}{30} .

Now, we add these equivalent fractions:

1230+530=12+530=1730 \frac{12}{30} + \frac{5}{30} = \frac{12 + 5}{30} = \frac{17}{30} .

The resulting fraction, 1730 \frac{17}{30} , is already in its simplest form because 17 is a prime number and does not share any common factors with 30 other than 1.

Thus, the sum of 25 \frac{2}{5} and 16 \frac{1}{6} is 1730 \frac{17}{30} .

Upon reviewing the given choices, the correct and matching choice is:

Choice 2: 1730 \frac{17}{30}

3

Final Answer

1730 \frac{17}{30}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before adding fractions with different bases
  • Technique: Multiply denominators: 5 × 6 = 30, then convert fractions
  • Check: Verify 12/30 + 5/30 = 17/30 and simplify if possible ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 2/5 + 1/6 = 3/11 by adding tops and bottoms separately! This ignores that fractions represent parts of different-sized wholes. Always find a common denominator first, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following:

\( \frac{5}{9}:\frac{7}{18}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

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Because 25 \frac{2}{5} and 16 \frac{1}{6} represent parts of different-sized wholes! It's like adding 2 slices of a 5-piece pizza to 1 slice of a 6-piece pizza - you need equal-sized pieces first.

How do I find the common denominator?

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The easiest way is to multiply the denominators together: 5 × 6 = 30. For more complex fractions, you might need the Least Common Multiple (LCM), but multiplication always works!

Do I always need to simplify my answer?

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Yes, always check if you can simplify! Look for common factors between the numerator and denominator. Since 17 is prime and doesn't share factors with 30, 1730 \frac{17}{30} is already simplified.

What if the denominators are really big numbers?

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Use the same method! Find the common denominator by multiplying, convert both fractions, then add. The numbers might be larger, but the process stays exactly the same.

Can I use a calculator for this?

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While calculators can convert to decimals, it's better to work with fractions for exact answers. Practice the steps by hand first, then use technology to check your work!

How do I convert each fraction to the common denominator?

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  • 25 \frac{2}{5} : multiply top and bottom by 6 → 1230 \frac{12}{30}
  • 16 \frac{1}{6} : multiply top and bottom by 5 → 530 \frac{5}{30}

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