Can someone please explain to me how I can add fractions with UNLIKE denominators? Thanks!
http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_addition.html
Hi Gia!
Try looking up videos "How to add and subtract with unlike denominators"
You're Welcome.
Of course! Adding fractions with unlike denominators involves a few steps. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
Step 1: Find a common denominator.
To add fractions with unlike denominators, you need to express them with the same denominator. You can do this by finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
Step 2: Convert fractions to have the same denominator.
Multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by a number that will make the denominator equal to the common denominator found in step 1. This step involves cross-multiplication.
Step 3: Add the fractions.
Once the fractions have the same denominator, add the numerators together while keeping the denominator the same. This will give you the sum of the fractions.
Step 4: Simplify the fraction (if needed).
If the resulting fraction can be simplified further, divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD) to simplify it.
Let's go through an example to illustrate these steps:
Example:
Let's add 1/4 and 3/8.
Step 1: Find a common denominator.
The LCM of 4 and 8 is 8.
Step 2: Convert fractions to have the same denominator.
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 1/4 by 2: (1/4) * (2/2) = 2/8. Multiply the numerator and denominator of 3/8 by 1: (3/8) * (1/1) = 3/8 (already has the desired denominator).
Step 3: Add the fractions.
2/8 + 3/8 = 5/8
Step 4: Simplify the fraction (if needed).
The fraction 5/8 cannot be simplified further.
So, 1/4 + 3/8 equals 5/8.
I hope this explanation helps you understand how to add fractions with unlike denominators!