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 them.

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, allowing them to be added or compared.

Front

How do you find a common denominator for 1/6 and 1/4?

Back

List the multiples of each denominator (6: 6, 12, 18, 24...; 4: 4, 8, 12, 16...) and find the smallest common multiple, which is 12.

Front

Can you add fractions with unlike denominators directly?

Back

No, you cannot add fractions with unlike denominators directly; you must first convert them to have a common denominator.

Front

What is the first step in adding fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the fractions.

Front

What is the sum of 3/4 and 1/8?

Back

The sum of 3/4 and 1/8 is 7/8.

Front

How do you convert 3/4 to have a denominator of 8?

Back

Multiply both the numerator and denominator of 3/4 by 2 to get 6/8.

Front

What is the sum of 3/8 and 2/4?

Back

The sum of 3/8 and 2/4 is 7/8.

Front

How do you convert 2/4 to have a denominator of 8?

Back

Multiply both the numerator and denominator of 2/4 by 2 to get 4/8.