What is the sum of 1/2 and 1/3?

To find the sum of 1/2 and 1/3, you need to first determine a common denominator because the fractions have different denominators. The denominators here are 2 and 3. The least common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6.

Next, convert each fraction to have the common denominator of 6:

• For 1/2, multiply the numerator and the denominator by 3:

[

\frac{1 \times 3}{2 \times 3} = \frac{3}{6}

]

• For 1/3, multiply the numerator and the denominator by 2:

[

\frac{1 \times 2}{3 \times 2} = \frac{2}{6}

]

Now that both fractions have the same denominator, you can add them together:

[

\frac{3}{6} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{5}{6}

]

Thus, the sum of 1/2 and 1/3 is 5/6. This process highlights the need to have a common denominator to correctly add fractions, which is essential when working with fractions in