Understanding Fraction Addition for 11-Year-Olds: Adding 1/2 and 1/6

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Fractions (1/2 + 1/6)

Adding fractions can be easy once you understand the steps! Here’s how to add 1/2 and 1/6.

Step 1: Find a Common Denominator

Fractions need a common denominator to be added together. The denominators in this case are 2 and 6.

The least common multiple (LCM) of 2 and 6 is 6. So, we will use 6 as our common denominator.

Step 2: Convert the Fractions

Next, we need to convert each fraction to have the common denominator of 6.

• For 1/2: To change the denominator from 2 to 6, we multiply both the top and bottom of the fraction by 3 (because 2 * 3 = 6).
• This gives us: 1 x 3 = 3, so 1/2 = 3/6.

• For 1/6: The denominator is already 6, so we don’t need to change it. Therefore, 1/6 = 1/6.

Step 3: Add the Converted Fractions

Now we can add the two fractions:

3/6 + 1/6 = (3 + 1)/6 = 4/6

Step 4: Simplify the Result

The final fraction 4/6 can be simplified. Both 4 and 6 can be divided by their greatest common divisor, which is 2:

• 4 ÷ 2 = 2
• 6 ÷ 2 = 3

So, 4/6 simplifies to 2/3.

Final Answer

The sum of 1/2 + 1/6 is 2/3.