Example

Try It 7.55: Simplifying 12+15110+15\frac{\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{5}}{\frac{1}{10}+\frac{1}{5}} Using the LCD

To simplify the complex rational expression 12+15110+15\frac{\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{5}}{\frac{1}{10}+\frac{1}{5}} using the least common denominator (LCD) method:

Step 1. Find the LCD of all inner fractions. The denominators are 22, 55, 1010, and 55. The LCD is 1010.

Step 2. Multiply the numerator and denominator by the LCD, 1010.

1012+101510110+1015\frac{10 \cdot \frac{1}{2} + 10 \cdot \frac{1}{5}}{10 \cdot \frac{1}{10} + 10 \cdot \frac{1}{5}}

Step 3. Simplify by distributing and multiplying:

5+21+2\frac{5 + 2}{1 + 2}

Step 4. Combine terms in the numerator and denominator:

73\frac{7}{3}

The simplified expression is 73\frac{7}{3}.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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