Question

Perform the indicated operations; reduce the answer to lowest terms.

Answer 1

a. 9/10

explanation:

• the denominators (bottom number) are the same so there is no need to change to a common factor

• because the fractions have common factors, you add the top numbers (3+6) to get 9

• then you put the top number over the 10 (9/10) and it’s simplified as much as possible

b. 3/4

explanation:

• each denominator (bottom term) is a factor of 12 so you have to change each fraction to #/12

• to change 1/3, you multiply the top and bottom numbers by 4 (1x4 & 3x4 = 4/12)

• to change 1/4, you multiply the top and bottom numbers by 3 (1x3 & 4x3 = 3/12)

• to change 1/6, you multiple the top and bottom numbers by 2 (1x2 & 6x2 = 2/12)

• then you add each of the top numbers (4+3+2) and put it over the common denominator (12) to get 9/12

- both 9 & 12 are divisible by 3, so you simply by dividing both by 3 to get 3/4

c. 1/3

explanation:

•the denominators are the same, so you subtract 5-3 without changing the denominator & you get 2/6

• then, because both numbers are divisible by 2, you divide both by 2 and get 1/3