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.