Solve the Fraction Addition: 2/6 + 1/4 + 2/12

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

26+14+212=? \frac{2}{6}+\frac{1}{4}+\frac{2}{12}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:09 Let's solve this problem together.
00:12 First, we need to find the least common denominator.
00:16 So, we'll multiply both numerators and denominators to get 12.
00:21 Remember, multiply the top and the bottom of each fraction!
00:30 Now, let's do the multiplications together.
00:36 Next, add the fractions using the common denominator of 12.
00:46 Let's calculate the new top part or numerator.
00:50 Great job! We've found the solution to our problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

26+14+212=? \frac{2}{6}+\frac{1}{4}+\frac{2}{12}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator.
  • Step 3: Add the converted fractions.
  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.

Step 1: The denominators are 6, 4, and 12. The least common multiple of these numbers is 12.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the common denominator of 12.
- Convert 26 \frac{2}{6} to have the denominator 12: 26=412 \frac{2}{6} = \frac{4}{12} by multiplying numerator and denominator by 2.
- Convert 14 \frac{1}{4} to have the denominator 12: 14=312 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{12} by multiplying numerator and denominator by 3.
- 212 \frac{2}{12} already has the denominator 12, so it remains unchanged: 212 \frac{2}{12} .

Step 3: Add the numerators of the converted fractions:
412+312+212=4+3+212=912 \frac{4}{12} + \frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{4 + 3 + 2}{12} = \frac{9}{12} .

Step 4: Simplify the fraction if possible. Here, 912 \frac{9}{12} can be simplified by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 3:
912=34 \frac{9}{12} = \frac{3}{4} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 912 \frac{9}{12} .

3

Final Answer

912 \frac{9}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find the least common multiple of all denominators first
  • Technique: Convert fractions: 26=412 \frac{2}{6} = \frac{4}{12} by multiplying by 2
  • Check: Add numerators: 4 + 3 + 2 = 9, so 912 \frac{9}{12} is correct ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators together instead of finding common denominator
    Don't add 6 + 4 + 12 = 22 for the denominator = 522 \frac{5}{22} ! This creates an incorrect fraction that doesn't represent the actual sum. Always find the LCM of denominators and convert each fraction first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{4}= \)\( \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

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Fractions represent parts of a whole, and each denominator creates different-sized parts. You need same-sized parts (common denominator) to add them correctly!

How do I find the least common multiple of 6, 4, and 12?

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List multiples of each: 6(6,12,18...), 4(4,8,12,16...), 12(12,24...). The smallest number that appears in all lists is 12.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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It depends on what the problem asks for! If the answer choices show 912 \frac{9}{12} , give that. If they want simplest form, then reduce to 34 \frac{3}{4} .

What if one fraction already has the common denominator?

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Great! That fraction stays the same. In this problem, 212 \frac{2}{12} already had denominator 12, so we kept it as 212 \frac{2}{12} .

Can I convert to decimals instead of finding common denominators?

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You could, but it's often harder and may create rounding errors. Stick with fractions - the common denominator method is more accurate and matches your answer choices!

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