Solve the Fraction Addition: 2/6 + 3/9 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

26+39=? \frac{2}{6}+\frac{3}{9}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 Let's solve this problem together.
00:10 First, we need the least common denominator.
00:14 We'll multiply by three, and then by two, to get a common denominator of 18.
00:20 Make sure to multiply both the top and bottom of the fraction.
00:30 Great! Now, let's do the multiplication.
00:37 Add everything together under the common denominator.
00:44 Next, add up the numerators.
00:50 And that's how we find the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

26+39=? \frac{2}{6}+\frac{3}{9}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the addition of fractions 26+39 \frac{2}{6} + \frac{3}{9} , we will follow these logical steps:

  • Step 1: Find a common denominator.
    The denominators are 66 and 99. The least common multiple (LCM) of these numbers is 1818.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the denominator of 1818.
    To convert 26\frac{2}{6} to a denominator of 1818, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 33 (because 6×3=186 \times 3 = 18): 26=2×36×3=618 \frac{2}{6} = \frac{2 \times 3}{6 \times 3} = \frac{6}{18} To convert 39\frac{3}{9} to a denominator of 1818, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 22 (because 9×2=189 \times 2 = 18): 39=3×29×2=618 \frac{3}{9} = \frac{3 \times 2}{9 \times 2} = \frac{6}{18}
  • Step 3: Add the fractions.
    Now that both fractions have the same denominator, add their numerators: 618+618=6+618=1218 \frac{6}{18} + \frac{6}{18} = \frac{6 + 6}{18} = \frac{12}{18}
  • Step 4: Simplify if possible.
    Check if 1218\frac{12}{18} can be simplified. The greatest common divisor (GCD) of 1212 and 1818 is 66, so: 1218=12÷618÷6=23 \frac{12}{18} = \frac{12 \div 6}{18 \div 6} = \frac{2}{3} However, since the original question focused on achieving the fraction with denominator 1818, our final non-simplified answer remains 1218\frac{12}{18}.

The final result is that the sum of the fractions is 1218\frac{12}{18}.

3

Final Answer

1218 \frac{12}{18}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Find LCM of denominators before adding fractions
  • Convert Method: Multiply 26 \frac{2}{6} by 3 to get 618 \frac{6}{18}
  • Verification: Check that 618+618=1218 \frac{6}{18} + \frac{6}{18} = \frac{12}{18}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't just add 2+3=5 and 6+9=15 to get 515 \frac{5}{15} ! 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

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 the numerators and denominators directly?

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Because 26 \frac{2}{6} and 39 \frac{3}{9} represent pieces of different-sized wholes! You need to make the pieces the same size (same denominator) before combining them.

How do I find the LCM of 6 and 9?

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List multiples of each number: 6: 6, 12, 18, 24... and 9: 9, 18, 27... The first number that appears in both lists is 18, so LCM = 18.

Should I simplify my final answer?

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It depends on the question! Here, the answer choices show 1218 \frac{12}{18} , so keep it unsimplified. But always check if you can simplify: 1218=23 \frac{12}{18} = \frac{2}{3} .

What if the denominators are the same?

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Lucky you! When denominators match, just add the numerators directly. For example: 37+27=57 \frac{3}{7} + \frac{2}{7} = \frac{5}{7} .

How do I convert fractions to the same denominator?

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  • Find what to multiply the old denominator by to get the new one
  • Multiply both numerator and denominator by that same number
  • Example: 26×33=618 \frac{2}{6} \times \frac{3}{3} = \frac{6}{18}

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