Question

Perform the indicated operation. Write all results in lowest terms. $$\frac{5}{12}+\frac{1}{12}$$

Short answer

Answer: The sum of the two fractions is \(\frac{1}{2}\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the denominators

The denominators are the same, which is 12.

Add the numerators

Since the denominators are the same, we can simply add the numerators together: \(5+1=6\).

Write the sum as a new fraction

The numerator of the sum is 6, and the denominator is 12. So, we have: $$\frac{6}{12}$$

Simplify the fraction

The fraction \(\frac{6}{12}\) can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 6. So: $$\frac{6}{12} = \frac{6 \div 6}{12 \div 6} = \frac{1}{2}$$ Therefore, the sum of the two fractions is: $$\frac{5}{12} + \frac{1}{12} = \frac{1}{2}$$