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How to Add a Fraction

Fractions can be added by simply pulling out an a calculator and converting the old numbering systems to decimals. This method works fine, for many fractional numbers, but some fractions such as a 1/3, 1/6 and 2/3 only break down into a repeating numerical sequence. Not only does using the longhand method allow you to come to a more exact result, but also this process might reveal something about the nature and beauty of mathematics.

Things You'll Need

Pencil and paper

Instructions

- 1
  Add 1/4 to 1/2. This is a simple addition problem that can be done with a calculator, for both these numbers convert to the respective complete decimals of 0.25 and 0.50. A simple additive calculation reveals the answer as 0.75 or 3/4. No use for longhand here.
- 2
  Begin the notations for adding 1/3 and 1/7, by simply jotting down the two numbers on a piece of paper.
- 3
  Find the smallest common denominator by multiplying the two bottom integers together. In this case your answer can be obtained by multiplying 3 X 7 which equals 21. So now you know that 21 is the common denominator.
- 4
  Convert each fraction. A simple layout of the problem might look like this: 1/3 = ?/21. To find what number replaces the question mark, just divide 21 by 3 and the answer is 7. So now you know 1/3 = 7/21
- 5
  Convert 1/7 to a fraction with the same common denominator of 21. A simple expression of this question might look like this: 1/7 = ?/21. By using the math described in Step 4, you know that 1/7 = 3/21.
- 6
  Tally the results by adding 3/21 with 7/21. The answer is 10/21 or when converted to decimals, you get a repeating decimal, 0.47619047619047619047619047619048, which is slightly less than 1/2.

Numerology