Solve the Fraction Expression: 2/7 + 1/2 - 7/14

Fraction Addition with Common Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

27+12714=? \frac{2}{7}+\frac{1}{2}-\frac{7}{14}=\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 Solution
00:03 We want to find the least common denominator
00:06 Therefore we'll multiply by 2 and 7 respectively for the common denominator 14
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:23 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:34 We can see that the subtraction operation leaves us with 0
00:42 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:

27+12714=? \frac{2}{7}+\frac{1}{2}-\frac{7}{14}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the expression 27+12714 \frac{2}{7}+\frac{1}{2}-\frac{7}{14} , follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 7, 2, and 14. The LCM is 14.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the denominator of 14:
    27 \frac{2}{7} becomes 2×27×2=414 \frac{2 \times 2}{7 \times 2} = \frac{4}{14}
    12 \frac{1}{2} becomes 1×72×7=714 \frac{1 \times 7}{2 \times 7} = \frac{7}{14}
    714 \frac{7}{14} remains 714 \frac{7}{14} since it's already over 14.
  • Step 3: Perform the operations in the expression 414+714714 \frac{4}{14} + \frac{7}{14} - \frac{7}{14} :
    First, add 414+714=1114 \frac{4}{14} + \frac{7}{14} = \frac{11}{14} .
    Then, subtract 1114714=414 \frac{11}{14} - \frac{7}{14} = \frac{4}{14} .
  • Step 4: The result is already simplified. Thus, the solution to the problem is 414 \frac{4}{14} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 414 \mathbf{\frac{4}{14}} , which corresponds to choice 3 \mathbf{3} .

3

Final Answer

414 \frac{4}{14}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCM Rule: Find least common multiple of all denominators first
  • Technique: Convert 27 \frac{2}{7} to 414 \frac{4}{14} by multiplying by 2
  • Check: Add numerators with same denominator: 4 + 7 - 7 = 4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions with different denominators directly
    Don't add 2 + 1 - 7 = -4 and put over any denominator = wrong answer! This ignores that fractions represent different-sized pieces. Always convert to the same denominator before adding or subtracting 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 the numerators and denominators separately?

+

Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 12 \frac{1}{2} means 1 out of 2 equal pieces, while 27 \frac{2}{7} means 2 out of 7 equal pieces. You need the same-sized pieces to add them.

How do I find the LCM of 7, 2, and 14?

+

List multiples of the largest number first: 14, 28, 42... Then check if smaller numbers divide evenly. Since 14 ÷ 7 = 2 and 14 ÷ 2 = 7, the LCM is 14!

What if my answer doesn't simplify?

+

That's okay! 414 \frac{4}{14} could be simplified to 27 \frac{2}{7} , but the question asks for the answer in fourteenths. Always check if the problem wants a specific form.

Can I work left to right instead of finding LCM first?

+

Yes, but it's harder! You'd add 27+12 \frac{2}{7} + \frac{1}{2} first (getting 1114 \frac{11}{14} ), then subtract 714 \frac{7}{14} . The LCM method is usually faster and less error-prone.

What if I get confused with the signs?

+

Write it step by step: 414+714714 \frac{4}{14} + \frac{7}{14} - \frac{7}{14} . Think of it as 4 + 7 - 7 = 4 fourteenths. Addition and subtraction follow the same rules as with whole numbers!

🌟 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