Essay

Describe the steps to add the fractions 518\frac{5}{18} and 718\frac{7}{18} and simplify your answer.

Question: Describe the steps to add the fractions 518\frac{5}{18} and 718\frac{7}{18} and simplify your answer.

Sample answer: Step 1: Add the numerators since the denominators are the same to get 5+718=1218\frac{5 + 7}{18} = \frac{12}{18}. Step 2: Find the common factor of the numerator and denominator (12=6212 = 6 \cdot 2 and 18=6318 = 6 \cdot 3). Step 3: Divide out the common factor of 66 to get the simplified answer, 23\frac{2}{3}.

Key points:

  • Add the numerators over the common denominator to get 1218\frac{12}{18}.
  • Identify the common factor of 66 in the numerator and denominator.
  • Divide out the common factor to simplify the fraction to 23\frac{2}{3}.

Rubric: Award full credit if the student describes adding the numerators, identifying a common factor, and simplifying the fraction to 23\frac{2}{3}.

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Updated 2026-06-20

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