Question

Question #659dc

Answer 1

`12/8=3/2`

Explanation:

To add 2 fractions we require the `color(blue)"denominators"` to be the same value.

In this case they are, both 8

We can therefore `color(blue)"add the numerators"` while leaving the denominator as it is.

`rArr5/8+7/8`

`=(5+7)/8`

`=12/8`

We can `color(blue)"simplify"` the fraction by dividing the numerator/denominator by the `color(blue)"highest common factor"` of 12 and 8, which is 4

`rArr12/8=(12÷4)/(8÷4)=3/2larrcolor(red)" in simplest form"`

This process is normally done using `color(blue)"cancelling"`

`rArr12/8=cancel(12)^3/cancel(8)^2=3/2larrcolor(red)" in simplest form"`

A fraction is in `color(blue)"simplest form"` when no other factor but 1 divides into the numerator/denominator.