Mastering Workkeys Math: Adding Fractions Made Simple

If you combine a 3/16 inch piece of wood and a 5/16 inch piece, what is the new measurement of the combined piece in its lowest form?

• A. 5/16 inches
• B. 1/4 inches
• C. 1/2 inches
• D. 3/8 inches

Answer: (C)

To find the combined measurement of the two pieces of wood, you need to add the two fractions together. You have 3/16 inch and 5/16 inch. When adding fractions with the same denominator, you keep the denominator the same and simply add the numerators: 3/16 + 5/16 = (3 + 5)/16 = 8/16. The next step is to simplify the fraction. The fraction 8/16 can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the greatest common divisor, which is 8 in this case. So, 8 ÷ 8 / 16 ÷ 8 = 1/2. This means that the combined measurement of the two pieces of wood is 1/2 inch. In this context, the other options do not represent the sum correctly. 5/16 inches is one of the original measurements and cannot be the combined total. 1/4 inches is smaller than both pieces and thus also cannot be correct. 3/8 inches is less than the combined total of 1/2 inch and is therefore not accurate either. Thus, the measurement in its lowest form is 1/2 inches.

Math can sometimes feel like a code waiting to be cracked, can't it? Especially when it comes to adding fractions. Let's tackle a real-world problem you might encounter, say in carpentry or even just a DIY project at home. Here’s a straightforward scenario: you have a 3/16 inch piece of wood and a 5/16 inch piece. How do you find the total length when you combine those two?

You know what? This kind of question might seem intimidating at first, but I promise it’s simpler than it looks! To figure this out, you’ll be doing a bit of fraction math. Here’s how it works. Since both pieces of wood share the same denominator (which is 16), you keep that number the same while you add the tops – that’s the numerators. So, we’re looking at:

3/16 + 5/16.

Easy peasy, right? When you add the numerators (3 + 5), you get 8. So now you have:

8/16.

But we’re not done yet! The next step is to simplify this fraction. And who doesn’t love finding the simplest form? To do this, you divide both the top (numerator) and the bottom (denominator) by the greatest common divisor. In this case, 8 is the greatest common divisor. Here’s how this looks:

8 ÷ 8 / 16 ÷ 8 = 1/2.

Surprise! The combined measurement of our two pieces of wood is 1/2 inch.

Now, let’s break down why the other options from our initial question don’t hold up.

• 5/16 inches is just one of our original measurements. Can't be the total, right?

• 1/4 inches is less than both pieces, so that can't be it either.

• 3/8 inches is still lower than our final answer of 1/2 inch, making it a no-go.

It's fascinating how a little math can help us in practical situations like these, whether you’re doing a home renovation or just trying to fix a wooden chair. Understanding measurements and how to manipulate them is essential not just for your Workkeys Math Test but for everyday tasks as well.

So the next time you face a question about adding fractions or measurements, remember this simple yet effective approach. It opens the door to more complex problems down the road.

Math skills aren’t just a test requirement; they're also valuable in real life. You’re building a toolbox of knowledge you can use everywhere—whether you’re crafting a woodworking project or solving everyday problems. Remember, practice makes perfect, and each fraction added is another step toward mastering not just this test but your overall math confidence!