Simplify 5/12 + 3/8 In Fraction Form Easily

Quick Links :

Simplifying fractions can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be done easily. In this article, we will learn how to simplify the fraction 5/12 + 3/8 in a step-by-step manner.

Understanding the Concept of Simplifying Fractions

Simplifying fractions involves finding the simplest form of a fraction by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator without leaving a remainder.

Step 1: Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM)

To simplify the fraction 5/12 + 3/8, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators, which are 12 and 8. The LCM is the smallest number that is a multiple of both numbers.

The multiples of 12 are: 12, 24, 36, 48,... The multiples of 8 are: 8, 16, 24, 32,...

As we can see, the least common multiple of 12 and 8 is 24.

Adding Fractions with Different Denominators

Now that we have found the LCM, we can add the fractions. To do this, we need to convert both fractions to have a denominator of 24.

5/12 = (5 x 2) / (12 x 2) = 10/24 3/8 = (3 x 3) / (8 x 3) = 9/24

Now we can add the fractions:

10/24 + 9/24 = 19/24

Step 2: Simplify the Fraction

The fraction 19/24 is already in its simplest form, but we can simplify it further by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

The factors of 19 are: 1, 19 The factors of 24 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24

As we can see, the greatest common divisor of 19 and 24 is 1.

Therefore, the fraction 19/24 is already in its simplest form.

Conclusion

Simplifying fractions can be a challenging task, but by following the steps outlined in this article, it can be done easily. By finding the least common multiple of the denominators and adding the fractions, we can simplify the fraction 5/12 + 3/8 to its simplest form, which is 19/24.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the concept of simplifying fractions and how to apply it to real-world problems. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to ask.