Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number). For example, in the fraction 1/2, 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator.

Front

What does it mean to have unlike denominators in fractions?

Back

Unlike denominators are denominators that are not the same. For example, in the fractions 1/3 and 2/5, 3 and 5 are unlike denominators.

Front

How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

To add fractions with unlike denominators, first find a common denominator, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator, and then add the numerators.

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. It allows you to add or subtract the fractions.

Front

What is the first step in adding 1/3 and 2/5?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the fractions 1/3 and 2/5. The least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 5 is 15.

Front

Convert 1/3 to a fraction with a denominator of 15.

Back

To convert 1/3 to a fraction with a denominator of 15, multiply both the numerator and denominator by 5: 1/3 = 5/15.

Front

Convert 2/5 to a fraction with a denominator of 15.

Back

To convert 2/5 to a fraction with a denominator of 15, multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3: 2/5 = 6/15.

Front

What is the sum of 5/15 and 6/15?

Back

The sum of 5/15 and 6/15 is 11/15.

Front

What is the formula for finding the sum of two fractions?

Back

The formula for finding the sum of two fractions a/b and c/d is: (a*d + b*c) / (b*d).

Front

How do you simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).