Solve the Fraction Addition: 5/10 + 1/6 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Common Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

510+16=? \frac{5}{10}+\frac{1}{6}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solution
00:03 We want to find the least common denominator
00:06 Therefore we'll multiply by 3 and 5 respectively for the common denominator 30
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:22 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:33 Add under common denominator
00:38 Calculate the numerator
00:43 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:

510+16=? \frac{5}{10}+\frac{1}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find the least common denominator of 10 and 6.
  • Step 2: Convert both fractions to have this common denominator.
  • Step 3: Add the fractions.
  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The least common multiple (LCM) of 10 and 6 is 30. So, our common denominator will be 30.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to have a denominator of 30:
For 510\frac{5}{10}:
510=5×310×3=1530\frac{5}{10} = \frac{5 \times 3}{10 \times 3} = \frac{15}{30}
For 16\frac{1}{6}:
16=1×56×5=530\frac{1}{6} = \frac{1 \times 5}{6 \times 5} = \frac{5}{30}

Step 3: Add the fractions:
1530+530=15+530=2030\frac{15}{30} + \frac{5}{30} = \frac{15 + 5}{30} = \frac{20}{30}

Step 4: Simplify if needed:
The fraction 2030\frac{20}{30} is already simplified to one of the given answer choices with a common denominator, matching one of the options.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 2030 \frac{20}{30} .

3

Final Answer

2030 \frac{20}{30}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find the least common denominator before adding fractions
  • Technique: Convert 510 \frac{5}{10} to 1530 \frac{15}{30} and 16 \frac{1}{6} to 530 \frac{5}{30}
  • Check: Verify LCD is correct: 30 ÷ 10 = 3, 30 ÷ 6 = 5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators instead of finding LCD
    Don't add 5/10 + 1/6 by doing 5+1 over 10+6 = 6/16! This completely ignores fraction rules and gives wrong answers. Always find the LCD first, then convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with that denominator.

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

How do I find the least common denominator of 10 and 6?

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List the multiples of each number: 10: 10, 20, 30, 40... and 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30... The first number that appears in both lists is 30, so that's your LCD!

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

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Because fractions represent parts of a whole. You can only add parts when they're the same size! 510 \frac{5}{10} means 5 tenths, while 16 \frac{1}{6} means 1 sixth - these are different sized pieces.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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It depends on what the problem asks for. In this case, 2030 \frac{20}{30} matches one of the answer choices, so we keep it as is. But generally, it's good practice to simplify to 23 \frac{2}{3} .

What if the denominators are really big numbers?

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Don't worry! The process is exactly the same. You might need to use prime factorization to find the LCD more easily, but the steps remain: find LCD, convert fractions, add numerators.

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

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Yes, but it makes the problem harder! You could use 60 instead of 30, but then you'd work with bigger numbers. The LCD keeps numbers smaller and calculations simpler.

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