Solve the Fraction Addition: 2/5 + 3/6 Step-by-Step

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

25+36= \frac{2}{5}+\frac{3}{6}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:05 Let's solve this math problem together.
00:09 First, multiply each fraction by the other fraction's denominator. This gives us a common denominator.
00:16 Remember, multiply both the top, called the numerator, and the bottom, called the denominator.
00:21 Now, let's calculate the products of those fractions.
00:27 Next, add the two fractions, keeping the denominator the same.
00:32 Then, calculate the sum of the numerators.
00:36 And that's how we arrive at our final answer. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

25+36= \frac{2}{5}+\frac{3}{6}=

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's try to find the lowest common denominator between 5 and 6

To find the lowest common denominator, we need to find a number that is divisible by both 5 and 6

In this case, the common denominator is 30

Now we'll multiply each fraction by the appropriate number to reach the denominator 30

We'll multiply the first fraction by 6

We'll multiply the second fraction by 5

2×65×6+3×56×5=1230+1530 \frac{2\times6}{5\times6}+\frac{3\times5}{6\times5}=\frac{12}{30}+\frac{15}{30}

Now we'll combine and get:

12+1530=2730 \frac{12+15}{30}=\frac{27}{30}

3

Final Answer

2730 \frac{27}{30}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find the LCD before adding fractions with different denominators
  • Technique: Convert 25 \frac{2}{5} to 1230 \frac{12}{30} and 36 \frac{3}{6} to 1530 \frac{15}{30}
  • Check: Verify LCD 30 divides by both 5 and 6, then 12 + 15 = 27 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 25+36 \frac{2}{5} + \frac{3}{6} as 2+35+6=511 \frac{2+3}{5+6} = \frac{5}{11} ! 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

Without calculating, determine whether the quotient in the division exercise is less than 1 or not:

\( 5:6= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the LCD of 5 and 6?

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List multiples of each number: 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30... and 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30... The first number that appears in both lists is your LCD!

Why can't I just add the fractions as they are?

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You can only add fractions when they have the same denominator. Think of it like adding pizza slices - you can't add 2 slices of a 5-piece pizza to 3 slices of a 6-piece pizza without converting them first!

What if I get a different common denominator?

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Any common multiple works, but using the LCD keeps numbers smaller and easier to work with. For example, 60 works for 5 and 6, but 30 is simpler!

Do I need to simplify my final answer?

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Always check! In this case, 2730 \frac{27}{30} can be simplified to 910 \frac{9}{10} by dividing both numerator and denominator by 3.

What if one denominator divides evenly into the other?

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Great! The larger denominator is automatically your LCD. For example, with 13+26 \frac{1}{3} + \frac{2}{6} , since 6 ÷ 3 = 2, your LCD is 6.

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