Solve the Fraction Addition: 2/8 + 5/12

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following equation:

28+512= \frac{2}{8}+\frac{5}{12}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:05 Let's solve this fraction problem step by step.
00:09 First, we need to find a common denominator. We'll multiply the first fraction by 3 and the second fraction by 2.
00:17 Remember the important rule: when we multiply a fraction, we must multiply both the top number (numerator) and bottom number (denominator).
00:26 Now, let's do the multiplication for each fraction carefully.
00:33 Great! Now that we have the same denominator, we can add these fractions together.
00:39 And there we have it! We've successfully solved this fraction problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following equation:

28+512= \frac{2}{8}+\frac{5}{12}=

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's first identify the lowest common denominator between 8 and 12.

In order to determine the lowest common denominator, we need to find a number that is divisible by both 8 and 12.

In this case, the common denominator is 24

Now we'll proceed to multiply each fraction by the appropriate number to reach the denominator 24.p

We'll multiply the first fraction by 3

We'll multiply the second fraction by 2

2×38×3+5×212×2=624+1024 \frac{2\times3}{8\times3}+\frac{5\times2}{12\times2}=\frac{6}{24}+\frac{10}{24}

Now let's combine:

6+1024=1624 \frac{6+10}{24}=\frac{16}{24}

3

Final Answer

1624 \frac{16}{24}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find the least common denominator before adding fractions
  • Technique: Convert 28 \frac{2}{8} to 624 \frac{6}{24} and 512 \frac{5}{12} to 1024 \frac{10}{24}
  • Check: Verify LCD 24 divides evenly by both 8 and 12: 24÷8=3, 24÷12=2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators and numerators separately
    Don't add 28+512 \frac{2}{8}+\frac{5}{12} as 2+58+12=720 \frac{2+5}{8+12} = \frac{7}{20} ! This creates a completely wrong fraction because you're combining parts that aren't equal. 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 least common denominator of 8 and 12?

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List the multiples of each number: 8: 8, 16, 24, 32... and 12: 12, 24, 36... The first number that appears in both lists is 24, so that's 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 apples and oranges - you need to convert them to the same 'fruit units' first!

What numbers do I multiply each fraction by?

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Divide the LCD by each denominator: 24÷8=3, so multiply 28 \frac{2}{8} by 33 \frac{3}{3} . And 24÷12=2, so multiply 512 \frac{5}{12} by 22 \frac{2}{2} .

Can I simplify the final answer?

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Always check! For 1624 \frac{16}{24} , both 16 and 24 are divisible by 8, so it simplifies to 23 \frac{2}{3} . Simplified answers are usually preferred.

What if the denominators are really big numbers?

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The same method works! You might need to use prime factorization to find the LCD more easily, but the steps remain the same: find LCD, convert fractions, then add.

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