To add fractions, you need to have a common denominator. This means that the bottom numbers of the fractions need to be the same. Once you have a common denominator, you can simply add the numerators (top numbers) and keep the denominator the same.
Here are the steps on how to add fractions:
- Identify the denominators. Are the denominators the same? If so, skip to step 3. If the denominators are different, you need to find a common denominator.
- Find a common denominator. The easiest way to find a common denominator is to multiply the denominators together. However, if the denominators have common factors, you can multiply by the least common multiple (LCM) instead.
- Add the numerators. Once you have a common denominator, simply add the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
- Simplify the fraction (optional). If the numerator and denominator have a common factor, you can divide them by that factor to simplify the fraction.
Examples:
- Adding fractions with the same denominator:
1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4
- Adding fractions with different denominators:
1/3 + 1/2 = 2/6 + 3/6 = 5/6
Adding mixed fractions:
To add mixed fractions, first convert them to improper fractions. Then, add the fractions as usual. Finally, simplify the fraction (optional).
Example:
2 1/2 + 3 1/4 = 5/2 + 13/4 = 10/4 + 13/4 = 23/4 = 5 3/4
- Ensure that the bottom numbers (denominators) are the same. …
- Once the denominators are the same, add the top numbers (nominators) and place the result over the common denominator.
- Simplify the fraction (if possible).
I hope this helps!