Question

adding and subtracting fractions
practicing adding and subtracting fractions will help you with other probability calculations during the in - class activity. in order to add or subtract fractions, you must have a common denominator. you can also add or subtract fractions using your calculator by first converting each fraction to a decimal (as in questions 1 - 3 above) and then adding or subtracting the results in your calculator. be sure to round carefully.

1. perform the following operations. if you use a common denominator, write your answers in lowest terms. if you use your calculator, round each answer to the nearest hundredth.

part a: $\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{6}$
part b: $\frac{1}{2}-\frac{1}{3}$
part c: $\frac{2}{3}-\frac{1}{12}$

Explanation:

Step1: Find common denominator for Part A

For $\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{6}$, the common denominator of 2 and 6 is 6. Rewrite $\frac{1}{2}$ as $\frac{3}{6}$.

Step2: Add fractions in Part A

$\frac{3}{6}+\frac{1}{6}=\frac{3 + 1}{6}=\frac{4}{6}=\frac{2}{3}\approx0.67$

Step3: Find common denominator for Part B

For $\frac{1}{2}-\frac{1}{3}$, the common denominator of 2 and 3 is 6. Rewrite $\frac{1}{2}$ as $\frac{3}{6}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ as $\frac{2}{6}$.

Step4: Subtract fractions in Part B

$\frac{3}{6}-\frac{2}{6}=\frac{3-2}{6}=\frac{1}{6}\approx0.17$

Step5: Find common denominator for Part C

For $\frac{2}{3}-\frac{1}{12}$, the common denominator of 3 and 12 is 12. Rewrite $\frac{2}{3}$ as $\frac{8}{12}$.

Step6: Subtract fractions in Part C

$\frac{8}{12}-\frac{1}{12}=\frac{8 - 1}{12}=\frac{7}{12}\approx0.58$

Answer:

Part A: $\frac{2}{3}\approx0.67$
Part B: $\frac{1}{6}\approx0.17$
Part C: $\frac{7}{12}\approx0.58$