Which is the best estimate for the sum 5/12 + 2/5
To find an estimate for the sum of fractions, we can either round each fraction to a decimal and then add them together, or find a common denominator and add the fractions directly.
Using rounding:
5/12 ≈ 0.42
2/5 ≈ 0.4
0.42 + 0.4 = 0.82
Using a common denominator:
The common denominator for 12 and 5 is 60.
(5/12) * (5/5) = 25/60
(2/5) * (12/12) = 24/60
25/60 + 24/60 = 49/60
Therefore, the best estimate for the sum 5/12 + 2/5 is approximately 49/60 or 0.82.