What is 2/5 plus 7/12?
2/5 plus 7/12 equals 59/60 (or 0.983333 in decimal form). Learn the step-by-step solution to add 2/5 and 7/12 using Least Common Denominator and simplification.
Exact Answer
2/5 + 7/12 = 59/60
Simplified Fraction
59/60
Mixed Number
Proper (59/60)
Decimal Value
0.983333
Percentage
98.3333%
Step-by-Step Solution: 2/5 + 7/12
Step 1
Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators 5 and 12 are coprime (they share no common factors other than 1). Therefore, their Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply their direct product: 5 × 12 = 60.
LCD(5, 12) = 60
Step 2
Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 60
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/5 by 12, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 7/12 by 5 so both fractions share the common base 60.
2 × 12/5 × 12 = 24/60 and 7 × 5/12 × 5 = 35/60
Step 3
Add the Numerators
Now add the numerators (24 + 35 = 59) and keep the common denominator 60 unchanged.
24 + 35/60 = 59/60
Step 4
Check if the Fraction Can Be Simplified
The Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 59 and 60 is 1, confirming that 59/60 cannot be reduced further—it is already in its simplest irreducible form.
59/60
Step 5
Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator 59 by denominator 60 produces a repeating decimal (approximately 0.983333, or 98.3333%).
59 ÷ 60 = 0.983333 (98.3333%)
Visual Representation
The diagram below illustrates 2/5 plus 7/12 visually:
+
=
Summary & Alternative Representations
| Property / Format | Value |
|---|---|
| Lowest Terms Fraction | 59/60 |
| Mixed Number Form | 59/60 |
| Decimal Form | 0.983333 |
| Percentage | 98.3333% |
Was this solution helpful?
Help us improve our free step-by-step tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2/5 plus 7/12 as a fraction?
2/5 + 7/12 in simplest fraction form is 59/60.
What is 2/5 plus 7/12 as a decimal?
2/5 + 7/12 converted to a decimal is 0.983333.
What is 2/5 plus 7/12 as a percentage?
2/5 + 7/12 expressed as a percentage is 98.3333%.
Does 2/5 plus 7/12 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?
It results in a repeating decimal (approximately 0.983333...) because the denominator contains prime factors other than 2 and 5.