Question

Add and express the sum in simplest form:

$\frac{1}{12}+\frac{7}{12}=\_\_\_$

Answer 1

• Step 1: As these are the like fractions, add the numerators and write the sum over the common denominator.

$\frac{1}{12}+\frac{7}{12}=\frac{1+7}{12}=\frac{8}{12}$

• Step 2: It can be observed that $2$ is the common factor of $8$ and $12$. Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factor $2$.

$\frac{8÷2}{12÷2}=\frac{4}{6}$

• Step 3: Again, there is a common factor of $4$ and $6$ that is $2$. Divide the numerator and denominator of the obtained fraction $\frac{4}{6}$ by $2$.

$\frac{4÷2}{6÷2}=\frac{2}{3}$

• Now, there is no common factor of $2$ and $3$ other than $1$. Hence, the simplest form of $\frac{8}{12}$ is $\frac{2}{3}$.