Solve the Fraction Equation: Find the Missing Addend in 5/12 + ? = 7/12

Q: Why don't I need to change the denominator when finding the missing fraction?

Since all fractions already have the same denominator (12), you only need to work with the numerators. The denominator stays 12 throughout the entire problem!

Q: What if I get confused about which number to subtract?

Think of it like this: Start + Missing = End. So Missing = End - Start. In our case: Missing = $ \frac{7}{12} - \frac{5}{12} = \frac{2}{12} $

Q: Can I simplify the answer to lowest terms?

Yes! $ \frac{2}{12} $ can be simplified to $ \frac{1}{6} $ by dividing both numerator and denominator by 2. Both answers are mathematically correct.

Q: How do I check if my answer is right?

Add your answer to the given fraction: $ \frac{5}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{7}{12} $. If it equals the target fraction, you're correct!

Q: What if the fractions had different denominators?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first before adding or subtracting. But this problem is easier because all denominators are already the same!

Fraction Addition with Missing Addends

Complete the missing fraction

$\frac{5}{12}+_—=\frac{7}{12}$

What is the missing fraction?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Find the unknown

00:03 According to the calculation, we know that the unknown denominator equals the given denominator

00:07 Find the number that completes the numerator to match the result's numerator

00:13 This is the correct number, so we'll substitute it in the unknown numerator

00:16 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Complete the missing fraction

$\frac{5}{12}+_—=\frac{7}{12}$

What is the missing fraction?

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's proceed as follows:

Step 1: Identify the numerators of the given fractions. We have $\frac{5}{12}$ and $\frac{7}{12}$ .
Step 2: Since both fractions have the same denominator, subtract the numerator of the given fraction from the resulting fraction's numerator:

$7 - 5 = 2$

Step 3: The missing fraction is $\frac{2}{12}$ , as the denominator remains the same.

Therefore, the missing fraction is $\frac{2}{12}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{2}{12}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Same Denominator Rule: Keep denominators unchanged when adding like fractions
Subtraction Technique: Find missing numerator by subtracting: 7 - 5 = 2
Verification Check: Confirm $\frac{5}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{7}{12}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting denominators instead of numerators
Don't subtract 12 - 12 = 0 for the denominator! This creates $\frac{2}{0}$ which is undefined. Always keep the common denominator unchanged and only work with numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ $\frac{4}{5}+\frac{1}{5}=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't I need to change the denominator when finding the missing fraction?

Since all fractions already have the same denominator (12), you only need to work with the numerators. The denominator stays 12 throughout the entire problem!

What if I get confused about which number to subtract?

Think of it like this: Start + Missing = End. So Missing = End - Start. In our case: Missing = $\frac{7}{12} - \frac{5}{12} = \frac{2}{12}$

Can I simplify the answer to lowest terms?

Yes! $\frac{2}{12}$ can be simplified to $\frac{1}{6}$ by dividing both numerator and denominator by 2. Both answers are mathematically correct.

How do I check if my answer is right?

Add your answer to the given fraction: $\frac{5}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{7}{12}$ . If it equals the target fraction, you're correct!

What if the fractions had different denominators?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first before adding or subtracting. But this problem is easier because all denominators are already the same!

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