Adding Mixed Numbers and Fractions: 1 3/12 + 1/2 as a Fraction
When working with mixed numbers and fractions, it's essential to understand how to add them correctly. In this article, we'll explore how to add 1 3/12 and 1/2 as a fraction.
Breaking Down the Problem
Before we begin, let's break down the problem into its components:
- 1 3/12: This is a mixed number, consisting of a whole number part (1) and a fractional part (3/12).
- 1/2: This is a fraction, representing one half.
Converting the Mixed Number to a Fraction
To add these two components, we need to convert the mixed number to a fraction. To do this, we'll multiply the whole number part by the denominator (12) and then add the numerator (3):
1 × 12 = 12 12 + 3 = 15
So, the mixed number 1 3/12 is equivalent to the fraction 15/12.
Adding the Fractions
Now that we have converted the mixed number to a fraction, we can add the two fractions:
15/12 + 1/2
To add these fractions, we need to find a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of 12 and 2 is 12. So, we'll convert the fraction 1/2 to have a denominator of 12:
1/2 = 6/12
Now we can add the two fractions:
15/12 + 6/12 = 21/12
Simplifying the Result
The resulting fraction, 21/12, can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 3:
21 ÷ 3 = 7 12 ÷ 3 = 4
So, the simplified result is:
7/4
And that's the answer! 1 3/12 + 1/2 as a fraction is equal to 7/4.
