Question

How do write in simplest form given `-4/5+(-1/3)`?

Answer 1

`-17/15" or " -1 2/15`

Explanation:

First we need to find the “least common denominator” in order to have equivalent fraction values. Then we need to combine the fractions arithmetically to arrive at a single value. Finally, we need to ‘reduce’ the resulting fraction (if possible) to get the “simplest” form.

With two prime numbers in the denominators, the least common denominator is simply their product: `5 xx 3 = 15`.

To convert the fractions given to equivalent fractions, you multiply

`-4/5 xx 3/3` and `-1/3 xx 5/5`

`3/3xx(-4/5) + 5/5xx(-1/3)`

`= -12/15 – 5/15`

Both are negative numbers, so the result is `-17/15`

This cannot be reduced to any simpler fraction, so this is the simplest form, unless it is given as a mixed number, `-1 2/15`