Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Missing Addend in 1/6 + ? = 1/2

Question

16+?=12 \frac{1}{6}+?=\frac{1}{2}

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Find the unknown
00:03 Arrange the equation and isolate the unknown
00:10 We want to find the least common denominator
00:14 Multiply by 3 to find the common denominator
00:17 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:20 Calculate the products
00:27 Add under the common denominator
00:30 Calculate the numerator
00:35 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:40 Remember to divide both numerator and denominator
00:44 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Rearrange the equation 16+x=12\frac{1}{6} + x = \frac{1}{2} to solve for xx.
  • Step 2: Subtract 16\frac{1}{6} from both sides of the equation, so x=1216x = \frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{6}.
  • Step 3: Using a common denominator for subtraction.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Rearrange the equation: x=1216x = \frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{6}.
Step 2: To subtract fractions, we need a common denominator. The least common denominator of 2 and 6 is 6.
Step 3: Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator:
12=36 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{6} And 16\frac{1}{6} is already with the denominator 6.
Step 4: Subtract the fractions: x=3616=26x = \frac{3}{6} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{2}{6}.
Step 5: Simplify 26\frac{2}{6} to 13\frac{1}{3}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=13 x = \frac{1}{3} .

Answer

13 \frac{1}{3}