ADDITION: Problem 5

Rule 18:
To add fractions, the denominators must be equal. Complete the following steps to add two fractions.
1.
Build each fraction so that both denominators are equal.
2.
Add the numerators of the fractions.
3.
The denominators will be the denominator of the built-up fractions.
4.
Reduce the answer.

Problem 5:
Add the fractions tex2html_wrap_inline76 and reduce your answer.
Answer:
The answer is tex2html_wrap_inline78 .
Solution:
Convert the whole number 5 to a fraction and rewrite the problem.

tex2html_wrap_inline80 .

The denominators are different; therefore, the first step is to build the fractions to fractions with common denominators. 20 can be factored as follows: 20 = 4 tex2html_wrap_inline82 5 and 24 can be factored as follows: 24 = 4 tex2html_wrap_inline82 6.

Rewrite the fractions where the denominators are in factored form.

tex2html_wrap_inline86 .
It appears that the common denominators must have the factors 4, 5 and 6.

Multiply each fraction by the form of 1 that will yield denominators with the same set of factors. (i.e., you can find each set of factors in the denominator of the answer)

tex2html_wrap_inline88 , tex2html_wrap_inline90 , and tex2html_wrap_inline92 .

Add the numerators: 600 + 18 + 5 = 623.

The answer is tex2html_wrap_inline94 .
This answer is already reduced so you can skip step 4.

Check:
You can check the answer with your calculator.

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Author:Nancy Marcus

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