find the sum and duffrence . write your answer in simplest form.

Question

(5/12+1/3) please type that a simplest form before that you find your sum or difference.

 

 

Answer 1

For both sum and difference, the first step is to find the least common denominator.  The same LCD will apply to both cases.

 

Since 12 is a multiple of 3, the LCD is 12.

 

The next step is to convert 1/3 to 12th's, so that you can add it to 5/12 (or subtract it from).  1/3 = 4/12.

 

So 5/12 + 1/3 = 5/12 + 4/12 = 9/12.  Then you can simplify 9/12 to 3/4.

 

5/12 - 1/3 = 5/12 - 4/12 = 1/12.