- Identify the least common multiple of the denominators 3 and 5, which is 15.
- Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 15: \(\frac{1}{3} = \frac{5}{15}\) and \(\frac{2}{5} = \frac{6}{15}\).
- Sum the converted fractions: \(\frac{5}{15} + \frac{6}{15} = \frac{11}{15}\).
- The final result is \(\boxed{\frac{11}{15}}\).
Explanation
- Analyzing the Problem
To compute the sum \(\frac{1}{3} + \frac{2}{5}\), we need to add two fractions with different denominators. The first fraction is \(\frac{1}{3}\) and the second is \(\frac{2}{5}\). To add fractions, they must share a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 3 and 5 is 15.
- Converting to a Common Denominator
To express \(\frac{1}{3}\) with the denominator 15, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 5:
\[\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 5}{3 \times 5} = \frac{5}{15}.\]
Next, to express \(\frac{2}{5}\) with the denominator 15, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3:
\[\frac{2}{5} = \frac{2 \times 3}{5 \times 3} = \frac{6}{15}.\]
- Performing the Addition
Now that the fractions have the same denominator, we can add them by summing their numerators:
\[\frac{5}{15} + \frac{6}{15} = \frac{5 + 6}{15} = \frac{11}{15}.\]
Thus, the sum is \(\frac{11}{15}\).
Examples
In daily life, fractions are often used for cooking. If a recipe calls for \(1/3\) of a cup of flour and then adds \(2/5\) of a cup more, you need to find the total amount of flour used. By finding a common denominator, you determine that the total amount is \(11/15\) of a cup, allowing you to measure the ingredients accurately.