Chapter 5: Problem 2
Find each sum. Write in simplest form. $$\frac{1}{10}+\frac{1}{3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sum is \( \frac{13}{30} \) in simplest form.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Problem
We need to find the sum of two fractions: \( \frac{1}{10} \) and \( \frac{1}{3} \), and then express the result in its simplest form.
02
Find a Common Denominator
To add fractions, they need to have the same denominator. The denominators here are 10 and 3. The least common multiple (LCM) of 10 and 3 is 30, so we will use 30 as the common denominator.
03
Convert Fractions to a Common Denominator
Convert \( \frac{1}{10} \) to a fraction with 30 as the denominator by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 3: \[ \frac{1}{10} = \frac{1 \times 3}{10 \times 3} = \frac{3}{30} \]. Convert \( \frac{1}{3} \) by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 10: \[ \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 10}{3 \times 10} = \frac{10}{30} \].
04
Add the Fractions
Now, add the two fractions with a common denominator: \[ \frac{3}{30} + \frac{10}{30} = \frac{3 + 10}{30} = \frac{13}{30} \].
05
Simplify the Result
The fraction \( \frac{13}{30} \) is in its simplest form since 13 and 30 have no common divisors other than 1.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Denominator
When you want to add fractions with different denominators, finding a common denominator is essential. A *common denominator* is a shared multiple of the denominators of the fractions you are working with. Imagine it's like finding a common language for two people to communicate.
Here's how you do it:
Here's how you do it:
- First, identify the denominators of your fractions. In our example, they are 10 and 3.
- Next, determine the least common multiple (LCM) of these two numbers, which will be used as the common denominator.
- Then, adjust each fraction so that its denominator matches the LCM.
Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying fractions is the process of reducing a fraction to its simplest form. This means converting it so that the numerator and the denominator have no common divisors, other than 1. Simplifying a fraction not only makes it look neater but often easier to understand and work with further.
Here's the way to simplify:
Here's the way to simplify:
- Check if the numerator and the denominator have any common factors.
- Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).
Least Common Multiple (LCM)
Finding the least common multiple (LCM) is a key step in operating with fractions, particularly when adding or subtracting them. The LCM is the smallest number that is a multiple of each of the numbers in question. It’s like choosing a playground where all children with different hobbies can play together.
To find the LCM:
To find the LCM:
- List a few multiples of each number. For 10, the multiples are 10, 20, 30, 40, etc. For 3, they are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, etc.
- Identify the smallest multiple they have in common. In our example, both 10 and 3 share the number 30.