Problem 60

Question

For exercises \(23-74\), evaluate. $$ \frac{1}{7}+\frac{5}{7} $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
\(\frac{6}{7}\)
1Step 1: Identify the Denominator
Notice that the denominators of both fractions are the same: 7. When adding fractions with the same denominator, the denominator remains unchanged.
2Step 2: Add the Numerators
Add the numerators of both fractions: 1 and 5. So we have: 1 + 5 = 6.
3Step 3: Combine the Sum
Combine the numerators over the common denominator: \[\frac{1}{7} + \frac{5}{7} = \frac{6}{7}\].

Key Concepts

Common DenominatorNumeratorStep-by-Step Solution
Common Denominator
When adding fractions, a crucial step is ensuring they have a common denominator. The denominator is the number at the bottom of the fraction, showing how many equal parts the whole is divided into. For instance, in the fraction \(\frac{1}{7}\), 7 is the denominator, indicating the whole is divided into 7 parts.

If fractions have different denominators, like \(\frac{1}{4}\) and \(\frac{3}{8}\), you can't directly add them. First, you must find a common denominator. The simplest way is to find a common multiple. For example, for 4 and 8, 8 is a common multiple.

Once we have a common denominator, it turns complex fraction addition into a straightforward process.
Numerator
The numerator is the top number in a fraction, representing how many parts of the whole are considered. For instance, in the fraction \(\frac{5}{7}\), 5 is the numerator. It tells us we have 5 out of 7 parts of a whole.

When adding fractions with a common denominator, the numerators are simply added together. For example, in \(\frac{1}{7} + \frac{5}{7}\), we add 1 and 5 to get 6.

This gives us the new numerator in our resulting fraction, making the addition process easier to grasp.
Step-by-Step Solution
For students, a step-by-step solution is the key to mastering fraction addition. Breaking it down helps you understand each part clearly.

Step 1: Check the Denominator Start by ensuring the denominators are the same. In our example, both fractions are \(\frac{1}{7}\) and \(\frac{5}{7}\), which have the same denominator, 7. So, we keep the denominator as 7.

Step 2: Add the Numerators Next, add the numerators: 1 and 5. This gives us 6.

Step 3: Combine and Simplify Finally, place the sum of the numerators over the common denominator. Hence, \(\frac{1}{7} + \frac{5}{7} = \frac{6}{7}\).

Understanding this clear, step-by-step approach ensures you can tackle any fraction addition problem confidently.