Question

What is 2/5 plus 1/3

Answer 1

First, you need to get the denominators (the bottom number) the same.  The smallest number to get them to is 15.

So, what you need to do is take 2/5 and multiply the bottom by 3 to get 15, and since you did it to the bottom, you need to do it to the top too.   So you would get, 6/15.

Then, for 1/3, take the bottom number and multiply it by 5.  Then, since you did it to the bottom, do it to the top as well.  You would get 5/15.

Then, you need to put them side by side.  You don't add the bottom, so your denominator would remain 15, but your numerator (top) would get added.

 6 + 5     =   11 
15  15         15