Solve the Fraction Addition: 2/8 + 1/3 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

28+13=? \frac{2}{8}+\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's solve the math problem together.
00:09 First, multiply each fraction by the second denominator. This helps us find a common denominator.
00:16 Remember, multiply both the top number, that's the numerator, and the bottom number, the denominator.
00:28 Great! Now, compute the multiplications you just set up.
00:35 Next, add the fractions with the same denominator.
00:40 Now, calculate the total for the numerator.
00:44 And that's how we find the final solution! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

28+13=? \frac{2}{8}+\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding 28\frac{2}{8} and 13\frac{1}{3}, we need to first convert these fractions to have a common denominator.

Step 1: Find the least common denominator (LCD).
- The denominators of the fractions are 88 and 33.
- The common denominator can be found by multiplying 88 and 33, which gives us 2424.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator of 2424.
- For 28\frac{2}{8}, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 33:
28=2×38×3=624\frac{2}{8} = \frac{2 \times 3}{8 \times 3} = \frac{6}{24}.
- For 13\frac{1}{3}, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 88:
13=1×83×8=824\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 8}{3 \times 8} = \frac{8}{24}.

Step 3: Add the resulting fractions.
- 624+824=6+824=1424\frac{6}{24} + \frac{8}{24} = \frac{6 + 8}{24} = \frac{14}{24}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1424\frac{14}{24}, which simplifies our answer.

3

Final Answer

1424 \frac{14}{24}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before adding fractions with different denominators
  • Technique: LCD of 8 and 3 is 24: 28=624 \frac{2}{8} = \frac{6}{24} , 13=824 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{8}{24}
  • Check: Verify answer by ensuring denominators match: 624+824=1424 \frac{6}{24} + \frac{8}{24} = \frac{14}{24}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 28+13 \frac{2}{8} + \frac{1}{3} as 2+18+3=311 \frac{2+1}{8+3} = \frac{3}{11} ! This completely ignores fraction rules and gives a wrong answer. 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 straight across?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! Adding 28 \frac{2}{8} (parts of 8) to 13 \frac{1}{3} (parts of 3) is like adding apples to oranges. You need the same denominator to add properly.

How do I find the least common denominator of 8 and 3?

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Since 8 and 3 share no common factors (they're relatively prime), their LCD is simply 8×3=24 8 \times 3 = 24 . For other numbers, find the smallest number both denominators divide into evenly.

Do I need to simplify my final answer?

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It's good practice to check if your answer can be simplified! 1424 \frac{14}{24} can be simplified to 712 \frac{7}{12} by dividing both numerator and denominator by 2.

What if the denominators are really big numbers?

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The process stays the same! Find the LCD, convert both fractions, then add. For large numbers, try finding the greatest common factor first to make the LCD smaller.

Can I use a different common denominator instead of the LCD?

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Yes, but it makes the problem harder! Any common multiple works, but using the LCD keeps your numbers smaller and easier to work with.

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