Question

add rational number quick check

Answer 1

Sure! Here’s a quick guide to adding rational numbers:

### Understanding Rational Numbers
- A rational number is any number that can be expressed as a fraction \(\frac{a}{b}\), where \(a\) is an integer and \(b\) is a non-zero integer.

### Steps to Add Rational Numbers

1. **Identify the Numbers**: Make sure both numbers are expressed as fractions.

2. **Find a Common Denominator**:
- If the denominators are different, find the least common denominator (LCD).
- If they are the same, you can skip this step.

3. **Rewrite the Fractions**:
- Convert each fraction to have the common denominator.

4. **Add the Numerators**:
- Add the numerators while keeping the common denominator.

5. **Simplify the Result**:
- If possible, simplify the resulting fraction.

### Quick Example

Let's add \(\frac{1}{4}\) and \(\frac{1}{6}\):

1. **Identify the Numbers**:
- \(\frac{1}{4}\) and \(\frac{1}{6}\)

2. **Find a Common Denominator**:
- The LCD of 4 and 6 is 12.

3. **Rewrite the Fractions**:
- \(\frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{12}\) (multiply numerator and denominator by 3)
- \(\frac{1}{6} = \frac{2}{12}\) (multiply numerator and denominator by 2)

4. **Add the Numerators**:
- \(\frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{3 + 2}{12} = \frac{5}{12}\)

5. **Simplify**:
- \(\frac{5}{12}\) is already in its simplest form.

### Summary
When adding rational numbers:
- Ensure a common denominator.
- Add the numerators and keep the denominator.
- Simplify if necessary.

Feel free to test this process with other examples or ask for more practice problems!