How do you add #\frac { 2} { 4} + \frac { 1} { 2}#?

2 Answers
Mar 3, 2018

See explanation.

Explanation:

To add (or subtract) two fractions with different denominators first you have to find a common denominator.

You can do it by reducing or expanding.

  • You can reduce #2/4# by #2#:

#2/4+1/2=(cancel(2)1)/(cancel(4)2)+1/2=1/2+1/2#

  • You can expand #1/2# by #2#:

#2/4+(1*2)/(2*2)=2/4+2/4#

If you already have the same denominators you have to add (subtract) the numerators:

#1/2+1/2=(1+1)/2=2/2=1#

#2/4+2/4=(2+2)/4=4/4=1#

Mar 3, 2018

1

Explanation:

#2/4 + 1/2#

# = (2-:2)/(4-:2) + 1/2#

#= 1/2 + 1/2#

#= (1+1)/2#

#= 2/2#

#=1#