Simplifying Fractions: 1/7 + 2/5
In this article, we will explore how to simplify the fraction 1/7 + 2/5. Simplifying fractions is an essential math skill that can help us solve complex problems with ease.
Understanding the Fractions
Before we dive into simplifying the fraction, let's take a closer look at the two fractions we are working with:
- 1/7: This fraction represents 1 part out of a total of 7 parts.
- 2/5: This fraction represents 2 parts out of a total of 5 parts.
Simplifying the Fraction
To simplify the fraction 1/7 + 2/5, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators, which are 7 and 5.
The least common multiple of 7 and 5 is 35. Therefore, we can rewrite the fractions with a denominator of 35:
- 1/7 = 5/35
- 2/5 = 14/35
Now, we can add the two fractions:
5/35 + 14/35 = 19/35
The Simplified Fraction
The simplified fraction is:
19/35
This is the simplest form of the fraction 1/7 + 2/5.