Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Missing Number in 7/14 + ? = 1/2

Simplifying makes the problem much easier to see! When you reduce $\frac{7}{14}$ to $\frac{1}{2}$, the equation becomes $\frac{1}{2} + ? = \frac{1}{2}$, and you can immediately see the answer is 0.

Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. For $\frac{7}{14}$, both 7 and 14 are divisible by 7, so divide both by 7 to get $\frac{1}{2}$.

The same process works! If you had $? + \frac{7}{14} = \frac{1}{2}$, you'd still simplify to get $? + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2}$, and the answer would still be 0.

Zero is the additive identity - it doesn't change the value of any number when added. This is why $\frac{1}{2} + 0 = \frac{1}{2}$ works perfectly!

Absolutely! If the equation was $\frac{7}{14} + ? = \frac{3}{4}$, you'd get $\frac{1}{2} + ? = \frac{3}{4}$, so $? = \frac{1}{4}$. Always be ready for fractional answers!