Add & Subtract Fractions

See the common-denominator method step by step, with the final answer fully simplified.

1. 1

   The problem.

   1/2 + 1/3

   Why?
2. 2

   Find the common denominator: the LCM of 2 and 3 is 6.

   1/2 = 3/6 (×3)

   1/3 = 2/6 (×2)

   Why?
3. 3

   Now add the numerators (keep the denominator).

   3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6

   Why?