To add the fractions, find the least common denominator, rewrite each fraction with the common denominator, add the numerators, and simplify the result.
Find the least common denominator: 15 r .
Rewrite the fractions: 5 7 = 15 r 21 r and 3 r 2 = 15 r 10 .
Add the fractions: 15 r 21 r + 15 r 10 = 15 r 21 r + 10 .
The simplified form is: 15 r 21 r + 10 .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We want to combine two fractions, 5 7 and 3 r 2 , into a single fraction in its simplest form.
Finding the Least Common Denominator To add fractions, we need a common denominator. The least common denominator (LCD) of 5 and 3 r is 15 r .
Rewriting Fractions with Common Denominator Now, we rewrite each fraction with the LCD of 15 r :
For the first fraction: 5 7 = 5 7 × 3 r 3 r = 5 × 3 r 7 × 3 r = 15 r 21 r
For the second fraction: 3 r 2 = 3 r 2 × 5 5 = 3 r × 5 2 × 5 = 15 r 10
Adding the Fractions Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can add them: 15 r 21 r + 15 r 10 = 15 r 21 r + 10
Simplifying the Result The numerator is 21 r + 10 and the denominator is 15 r . We need to check if this fraction can be simplified. Since there are no common factors between 21 r + 10 and 15 r , the fraction is already in its simplest form.
Examples
When combining different ingredients in a recipe, you often need to add fractional amounts. For example, if a recipe calls for 5 7 cups of flour and 3 r 2 cups of sugar (where r depends on the number of servings), expressing the total amount of dry ingredients as a single fraction helps in measuring the correct proportions. This ensures the recipe turns out as expected, maintaining the right balance of flavors and textures.
To add the fractions 5 7 and 3 r 2 , we find the least common denominator, which is 15 r . After rewriting both fractions, we combine them to get 15 r 21 r + 10 , which is in its simplest form. No further simplification is possible as there are no common factors in the numerator and denominator.
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