This is how we add
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Step 1Now we need to make our denominators match. Since 5 is evenly divided by 10, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator. Multiply 1 by 2, and get 2, then we multiply 5 by 2 and get 10. So now our fractions look like this:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 2 + 8 = 10 So the answer is:
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Step 3Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction? To find out, we try dividing it by 2... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
Let's try dividing by that again... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:
Let's try dividing by that again... No good. 5 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing. There you have it! Here's the final answer to 1/5 + 8/10
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