Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Missing Number in ? + 1/3 = 2/5

Question

?+13=25 ?+\frac{1}{3}=\frac{2}{5}

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Find the unknown
00:05 Arrange the equation and isolate the unknown
00:13 Find the smallest common denominator
00:17 Multiply each fraction by the second denominator to find the common denominator
00:23 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:36 Calculate the multiplications
00:43 Add under the common denominator
00:46 Calculate the numerator
00:50 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-Step Solution

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

  • Step 1: Identify the common denominator for 13\frac{1}{3} and 25\frac{2}{5}.
  • Step 2: Rewrite each fraction using this common denominator.
  • Step 3: Perform the fraction subtraction.
  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction, if needed.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Find the common denominator.

The denominators of the fractions are 3 and 5. The least common multiple of 3 and 5 is 15.

Step 2: Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator of 15.

13=515\frac{1}{3} = \frac{5}{15}, and 25=615\frac{2}{5} = \frac{6}{15}.

Step 3: Subtract 515\frac{5}{15} from 615\frac{6}{15}.

615515=115\frac{6}{15} - \frac{5}{15} = \frac{1}{15}.

Step 4: Simplification.

The fraction 115\frac{1}{15} is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to the equation is 115 \frac{1}{15} .

Answer

115 \frac{1}{15}