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

1 Answer
Aug 24, 2016

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