Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Front

What does it mean to have unlike denominators?

Back

Unlike denominators are when the bottom numbers of two or more fractions are different, making it necessary to find a common denominator to add or subtract them.

Front

How do you find the least common denominator (LCD) of two fractions?

Back

To find the LCD, list the multiples of each denominator and find the smallest multiple that both denominators share.

Front

What is the least common denominator of 1/3 and 1/4?

Back

The least common denominator is 12.

Front

How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

First, find the least common denominator, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD, then add the numerators and keep the denominator.

Front

What is an equivalent fraction?

Back

An equivalent fraction is a fraction that represents the same value as another fraction, even though the numerator and denominator are different.

Front

Simplify the fraction 4/8.

Back

The simplified fraction is 1/2.

Front

What is the process to convert 2/5 to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 20?

Back

Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 4 to get 8/20.

Front

Can you add 1/2 and 1/3 directly? Why or why not?

Back

No, you cannot add them directly because they have unlike denominators.

Front

What is the first step in adding 3/4 and 1/6?

Back

The first step is to find the least common denominator, which is 12.