How do you simplify #5 5/7 + 2 1/3#?

1 Answer

#8 1/21#
Add the whole numbers then find a common denominator in order to add the fractions.

Explanation:

It is only possible to add or subtract fractions that are the same.

The whole numbers 5 + 2 can be added because they are the same, both are whole numbers. 5 + 2 =7

#(5/7)# and #(1/3)# cannot be added because they are not the same type of fraction.

To make them the same they must have the same denominator .

The common denominator is #3 xx 7 = 21#

Multiply # 5/7 xx 3/3 # and # 1/3 xx 7/7#

This gives # 15/21# and # 7/ 21#

Now these can be added because they are the same.

# 15/21# + # 7/21# = # 22/21#

# 22/21 = 1 1/21#

#7 + 1 1/21 = 8 1/21#