SOLUTION: Can someone help me explain this in words. Use pizza as an example for explaining how and why you must get a common denominator before adding the fractions 1/2 and 1/3.

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: Can someone help me explain this in words. Use pizza as an example for explaining how and why you must get a common denominator before adding the fractions 1/2 and 1/3.      Log On


   

Question 183123: Can someone help me explain this in words. Use pizza as an example for explaining how and why you must get a common denominator before adding the fractions 1/2 and 1/3.
Answer by checkley77(12844) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1/2 of a pizza is the same as 3/6 of a pizza
1/3 of a pizza is the same as 2/6 of a pizza.
Now if you add these two partial pizzas you'll get 3/6+2/6=5/6 of a pizza.
Perchance you try to add/multiply 1/2 & 1/3 you could get 2/5, 2/6 or 1/6 depending on if you multiply or add.