What is 2/5 plus 1/2?
2/5 plus 1/2 equals 9/10 (or 0.9 in decimal form). Learn the step-by-step solution to add 2/5 and 1/2 using Least Common Denominator and simplification.
Exact Answer
2/5 + 1/2 = 9/10
Simplified Fraction
9/10
Mixed Number
Proper (9/10)
Decimal Value
0.9
Percentage
90%
Step-by-Step Solution: 2/5 + 1/2
Step 1
Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators 5 and 2 are coprime (they share no common factors other than 1). Therefore, their Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply their direct product: 5 × 2 = 10.
LCD(5, 2) = 10
Step 2
Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 10
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/5 by 2, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 1/2 by 5 so both fractions share the common base 10.
2 × 2/5 × 2 = 4/10 and 1 × 5/2 × 5 = 5/10
Step 3
Add the Numerators
Now add the numerators (4 + 5 = 9) and keep the common denominator 10 unchanged.
4 + 5/10 = 9/10
Step 4
Check if the Fraction Can Be Simplified
The Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 9 and 10 is 1, confirming that 9/10 cannot be reduced further—it is already in its simplest irreducible form.
9/10
Step 5
Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator 9 by denominator 10 yields an exact terminating decimal of 0.9 (or 90%).
9 ÷ 10 = 0.9 (90%)
Visual Representation
The diagram below illustrates 2/5 plus 1/2 visually:
+
=
Summary & Alternative Representations
| Property / Format | Value |
|---|---|
| Lowest Terms Fraction | 9/10 |
| Mixed Number Form | 9/10 |
| Decimal Form | 0.9 |
| Percentage | 90% |
Was this solution helpful?
Help us improve our free step-by-step tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2/5 plus 1/2 as a fraction?
2/5 + 1/2 in simplest fraction form is 9/10.
What is 2/5 plus 1/2 as a decimal?
2/5 + 1/2 converted to a decimal is 0.9.
What is 2/5 plus 1/2 as a percentage?
2/5 + 1/2 expressed as a percentage is 90%.
Does 2/5 plus 1/2 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?
It results in an exact terminating decimal (0.9) because the denominator in simplest terms contains only prime factors 2 and/or 5.