1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$\frac{1}{2} + \frac{z}{12}$$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To add fractions, they must have a common denominator. The common denominator for 2 and 12 is 12. 3. **Find equivalent fractions:** Convert $$\frac{1}{2}$$ to have denominator 12 by multiplying numerator and denominator by 6: $$\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 6}{2 \times 6} = \frac{6}{12}$$ 4. **Add the fractions:** Now add $$\frac{6}{12} + \frac{z}{12} = \frac{6 + z}{12}$$. 5. **Final answer:** The simplified expression is $$\frac{6 + z}{12}$$.