Solve the Fraction Addition: 3/7 + 1/3 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Unlike Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

37+13=? \frac{3}{7}+\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Multiply each fraction by the second denominator to find a common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:20 Calculate the multiplications
00:30 Add under common denominator
00:35 Calculate the numerator
00:38 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

37+13=? \frac{3}{7}+\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding the fractions 37 \frac{3}{7} and 13 \frac{1}{3} , we follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find a common denominator for the fractions. The denominators are 77 and 33. By multiplying 77 and 33, we find the common denominator is 2121.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with this common denominator.
    • The first fraction: 37 \frac{3}{7} . We multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 33 (since 7×3=217 \times 3 = 21): 3×37×3=921. \frac{3 \times 3}{7 \times 3} = \frac{9}{21}.
    • The second fraction: 13 \frac{1}{3} . We multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 77 (since 3×7=213 \times 7 = 21): 1×73×7=721. \frac{1 \times 7}{3 \times 7} = \frac{7}{21}.
  • Step 3: Add the fractions. Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can add them: 921+721=9+721=1621. \frac{9}{21} + \frac{7}{21} = \frac{9 + 7}{21} = \frac{16}{21}.
  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if necessary. In this case, 1621 \frac{16}{21} is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the final solution to the problem is 1621\frac{16}{21}.

3

Final Answer

1621 \frac{16}{21}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Multiply denominators 7 × 3 = 21 for LCD
  • Conversion: Transform 37=921 \frac{3}{7} = \frac{9}{21} and 13=721 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{7}{21}
  • Verification: Check 921+721=1621 \frac{9}{21} + \frac{7}{21} = \frac{16}{21} is simplified ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 37+13=410 \frac{3}{7} + \frac{1}{3} = \frac{4}{10} ! This ignores different denominators and gives completely wrong results. 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 3 + 1 = 4 and 7 + 3 = 10?

+

Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 37 \frac{3}{7} means 3 parts out of 7, while 13 \frac{1}{3} means 1 part out of 3. You need the same-sized parts to add them.

How do I find the common denominator?

+

For fractions like 37 \frac{3}{7} and 13 \frac{1}{3} , multiply the denominators: 7 × 3 = 21. This works when denominators have no common factors. For larger numbers, find the LCM instead.

Do I always multiply the denominators together?

+

Not always! If denominators share factors, use the Least Common Multiple (LCM) instead. For example, 14+16 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{6} uses LCM of 12, not 4 × 6 = 24.

How do I know if my fraction answer is in simplest form?

+

Check if the numerator and denominator share any common factors. For 1621 \frac{16}{21} , 16 and 21 have no common factors, so it's already simplified!

What if I get a mixed number as my answer?

+

If your numerator is larger than the denominator, you can convert to a mixed number. For example, 2521=1421 \frac{25}{21} = 1\frac{4}{21} . Both forms are correct!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Operations with Fractions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations