You’re in the kitchen whipping up a new recipe when you come across a measurement like 1/3 cup plus 1/3 cup. Uh oh, time for math. Adding fractions can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. With just a few simple rules, you’ll be adding fractions like a pro in no time. In this article, we’ll walk through step-by-step how to easily add fractions together so you can focus on cooking up something delicious instead of puzzling over measurements. We’ll cover common denominators, equivalent fractions, improper fractions, and more using clear examples. Before you know it, you’ll breeze through adding 1/3 cup plus 1/3 cup or any other fractional measurements that pop up. So preheat that oven and let’s get cooking—we’ll handle the math.
Understanding Fractions: What Is 1/3 Cup?
A fraction represents a part of a whole. 1/3 cup means one out of three equal parts of a cup. To measure 1/3 cup, you’ll want to use a liquid measuring cup and fill it 1/3 of the way.
Measuring 1/3 Cup
The easiest way to measure 1/3 cup is to use a set of measuring cups. Most standard sets will include a 1/3 cup measure. If you don’t have a designated 1/3 cup, you can still measure it out with a little math.
Take a 1 cup liquid measuring cup and fill it with water or your ingredient until it reaches the 1 cup line. Then, pour out liquid until the water level is at the 2/3 cup line. What’s left in the cup will be 1/3 cup. For example, if the 1 cup line is at 3 inches, the 2/3 cup line would be at 2 inches. So pour out liquid until it reaches 2 inches and you’ll have 1/3 cup remaining.
If you only have a 4 cup or larger measuring cup, the same principle applies. Fill to the 1 cup line and pour out liquid until you reach the 3 cup line. What’s left will be 1/3 cup. With a little practice, measuring 1/3 cup can become second nature.
Why Fractions Matter
Fractions are essential in cooking and baking for precision and consistency. If a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of an ingredient but you approximate and add a little more or less, it can affect the outcome. For the best results, take the time to measure ingredients accurately. Your treats and triumphs will be worth the extra effort!
Adding Fractions Step-by-Step
Find the lowest common denominator
To add fractions with different denominators, you need to find the lowest number that they both divide into evenly. This is called the lowest common denominator or LCD. For example, to add 1/3 and 1/2, the LCD is 6 because both 3 and 2 divide into 6.
###Convert each fraction to have the lowest common denominator
Once you have the LCD, convert each fraction to have that denominator. In our example, 1/3 becomes 2/6 and 1/2 becomes 3/6.
###Add the numerators, keep the denominator
Now that the fractions have the same denominator, simply add the numerators together while keeping the denominator the same. 2/6 + 3/6 = 5/6.
###Simplify if needed
If the resulting fraction is not in lowest terms, simplify by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor. In this case, 5/6 is already simplified.
See? Adding fractions isn’t so scary after all. The keys are finding a common denominator, converting each fraction to have that denominator, then combining the numerators. With a little practice, you’ll be adding fractions in your sleep. If you get stuck, just take it one step at a time. You’ve got this! Keep at it and before you know it, adding fractions will become second nature.
Practical Example: Measuring Out 1/3 Cup Plus 1/3 Cup
Let’s walk through measuring out 1/3 cup plus another 1/3 cup of an ingredient. For this example, we’ll use chocolate chips.### Gather Your Equipment
First, gather your measuring cups and a bag of chocolate chips. You’ll want to have both the 1/3 cup measure and a larger bowl or container to pour the chips into.
Measure the First 1/3 Cup
Hold the 1/3 cup measure over your bowl or container. Pour chocolate chips from the bag into the measure, shaking gently to settle them. Level off the top with the back of a knife or spatula. Pour the chips from the measure into your bowl.
Measure the Second 1/3 Cup
Repeat the same steps to measure another 1/3 cup of chocolate chips. Pour into the bowl with the first 1/3 cup.
Combine and Enjoy!
Now you have 2/3 cup or about 4 ounces of chocolate chips measured and ready to add to your recipe. Stir to combine the two portions before adding to your batter or dough.
When a recipe calls for 1/3 cup plus another 1/3 cup, it’s just a shorthand way of saying 2/3 cup total. The instructions break it down into separate measurements to be extra clear. But as you’ve seen, you simply measure out the first portion, then measure the second portion into the same bowl or container.
No matter what ingredient you’re measuring, the key is to get the right amount in your measuring cup and level it off for an accurate measurement. Take your time, be precise, and soon you’ll be comfortably measuring out 1/3 cup plus 1/3 cup and more in your own kitchen!
Why Learning Fractions Matters
Fractions are a fundamental math concept that you’ll use throughout your life. Even if you don’t think you’ll ever need fractions again after school, you’ll be surprised by how often they come up.
In Your Career
Many careers require a solid understanding of fractions, proportions, and percentages. Whether you’re a chef, carpenter, architect or accountant, you’ll need to measure, compare, and calculate using fractions. For chefs, fractions are essential for scaling recipes up or down and ensuring accurate measurements. Carpenters frequently use fractions for measuring and cutting wood and other materials. Architects and designers rely on fractions to create proportional spaces and models. Accountants and bookkeepers use fractions, decimals and percentages interchangeably to maintain financial records and analyze data.
In Everyday Life
Fractions also factor into many daily activities. When you’re cooking, baking, or crafting, you’ll need to measure ingredients accurately. Comparing sale prices or calculating percentages requires an understanding of fractions. Even reading a tape measure, ruler or other measuring device means interpreting fractional units. Telling time, reading nutrition labels, and managing budgets also rely on fractions.
While learning fractions may seem tedious, the effort will pay off. Developing an intuitive sense of fractions at an early age provides a foundation for more advanced math concepts. It also ensures you have the skills for many real-world applications of fractions, both in your career and daily life. Though fractions can be challenging to learn, they open up a world of mathematical possibilities. Stick with it—you’ll be glad you did!
More Fraction Addition Examples: 1/3 Cup Plus 1/3 Cup
Let’s do another fraction addition example to reinforce the steps. This time, we’ll add 1/3 cup and 1/3 cup.
Find the common denominator
Since both fractions have the same denominator (3), we don’t need to find a common one. The common denominator is 3.
Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator
Each fraction already has a denominator of 3, so we don’t need to convert either fraction.
Add the numerators, keeping the common denominator
1/3 + 1/3 = 2/3
Simplify the fraction if needed
2/3 is already in lowest terms, so we don’t need to simplify.
Write the final answer
1/3 cup + 1/3 cup = 2/3 cup
A recipe example
Here’s an example of how this works in a recipe:
If a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of sugar and 1/3 cup of flour, you would add:
1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
= 2/3 cup total
So you would measure out 2/3 cup of the combined sugar and flour. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly before adding to your recipe.
Adding fractions is an essential skill when cooking and baking at home. With regular practice of examples like this, fraction addition can become second nature. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Conclusion
So there you have it – adding fractions doesn’t have to be scary or confusing! By breaking them down into their component parts, you can easily see how 1/3 plus 1/3 equals 2/3. With a bit of practice visualizing fractions and some simple addition, you’ll be adding fractions like a pro in no time. The next time you’re baking or measuring ingredients, have confidence that you can handle any fraction that comes your way. Math isn’t so bad after all, right? Keep at it, and you’ll be impressing even yourself with your new fraction skills. Who knows, you may even start to enjoy math and look for new challenges to flex your math muscles!