Adding Fractions: 7/9 + 1/2
To add fractions, they need to have the same denominator (the bottom number). Here's how to add 7/9 and 1/2:
1. Find a Common Denominator
- Find the least common multiple (LCM) of 9 and 2. The LCM of 9 and 2 is 18.
- Rewrite each fraction with the new denominator:
- 7/9 = (7 * 2) / (9 * 2) = 14/18
- 1/2 = (1 * 9) / (2 * 9) = 9/18
2. Add the Numerators
- Keep the denominator the same and add the numerators:
- 14/18 + 9/18 = (14 + 9) / 18
3. Simplify the Result
- Add the numerators: (14 + 9) / 18 = 23/18
- The fraction is an improper fraction (the numerator is larger than the denominator). You can convert it to a mixed number:
- 23/18 = 1 5/18
- Simplify the mixed number by dividing both numerator and denominator of the fraction part by their greatest common factor (GCD). The GCD of 5 and 18 is 1, so the fraction is already simplified.
