How do I add 1 to a fraction?

Question

I'm sure it is very simple. But can someone explain to me how too add the number 1 to a fraction? Say for example:

1 + sqrt 5/5

1 + 7/12

What I have been doing so far is just coming up with a common denominator and then adding the numerators, but every time I try that with 1 I just end up getting a whole number. So taking the 1 + 7/12 example, I would multiply 1/1 by 12, get 12/12, which just takes me back to 1. Help please!

Thanks for all of the responses that were quite helpful. However, what about when it comes to subtracting? Using my 1 + 7/12 example, does the answer end up being:

12/12 - 7/12 = -5

???

Answer 1

Finding the common denominator is the right thing to do. In the "1 + 7/12" example, you were right to rewrite "1" as "12/12". I think where you went wrong was to try to simplify "12/12" back to "1" again. Don't simplify if it makes more sense not to.

So you then have "12/12 + 7/12". Now just add the two numerators.

12/12 + 7/12 = (12+7)/12 = 19/12.

In the case of "1 + sqrt(5)/5" you do a similar thing. Change the "1" to "5/5" so that the denominators are common; then add the numerators.

1 + sqrt(5)/5
5/5 + sqrt(5)/5
(5 + sqrt(5))/5

Answer 2

You are on the right track. But continue as below:

1+ 7/12 = 12/12 + 7/12 = (12+7)/12 = 19/12

Answer 3

You can only add fractions if you have a common denominator. So, for example, if you're trying to add 1 to 7/12 you must change 1 to 12/12. The value is still 1, you're just writing in a form that you can work with. Then just add the numerators and keep the denominator.

12/12 + 7/12 = 19/12 or 1.5833

Answer 4

Yes, 12/12 is one, but if you then add the fractions, you would have 12/12 + 7/12 = 19/12. So the answer would be 19/12, which is more than 1.

Answer 5

1 + 7/12 can also be written as:

12/12 + 7/12

then you can add the numerators together (12+7=19) and copy the common denominator so:

12/12 + 7/12 = 19/12

Answer 6

12/12 + 7/12=19/12
POS. FRACTIONS+1=MORE THAN 1

Answer 7

1 + sqrt 5/5 =
5/5 + sqrt5/5 =
(5 + sqrt5)/5
Not much simpler, I agree

1 + 7/12 =
12/12 + 7/12 =
Now add the twelths together
19/12