Math 6 - Adding Dissimilar Fractions

Math 6 - Adding Dissimilar Fractions

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Step 1:  Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)

ex.  2 / 3   +   3 / 5

Find the LCD by skip counting or repeated addition,
3:  3, 6, 9, 12, 15
5: 5, 10, 15

Therefore,  LCD = 15

Step 2:  Find the equivalent fractions

Divide the LCD by the denominator and multiply the quotient by the numerator to get the new numerator.

Find the equivalent fractions,

2/3:                              3/5:                     LCD = 15

15 / 3 = 5                  15 / 5 = 3             
5 x 2 = 10                    3 X 3 = 9

2/3 = 10/15                3/5 = 9 / 15

Step 3:  Add the equivalent fractions

     2 / 3 = 10 /15
+   3 / 3 =   9 / 15
              =  19 / 15

Step 5:  Simplify the sum
Since the numerator is greater than the denominator, divide the numerator by the denominator.

19 / 15   =  1   4 / 15      final answer