Common Denominators

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions, allowing them to be added or subtracted.

Front

How do you create an equivalent fraction?

Back

To create an equivalent fraction, multiply or divide both the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the same non-zero number.

Front

Why can't you add fractions with different denominators directly?

Back

You cannot add fractions with different denominators directly because they represent different parts of a whole; they must be converted to have a common denominator first.

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting fractions?

Back

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

Front

Can 9 be a common denominator for 1/3 and 7/9?

Back

Yes, because 9 is a multiple of both 3 and 9.

Front

What do you need to do after finding a common denominator?

Back

After finding a common denominator, you need to rewrite each fraction as an equivalent fraction with that common denominator.

Front

What is the relationship between the numerator and denominator in equivalent fractions?

Back

In equivalent fractions, the ratio of the numerator to the denominator remains the same, even though the actual numbers may differ.

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest multiple that is common to the denominators of two or more fractions.

Front

How can you find the least common denominator?

Back

To find the least common denominator, list the multiples of each denominator and identify the smallest multiple that appears in all lists.

Front

What is the purpose of finding a common denominator?

Back

The purpose of finding a common denominator is to enable the addition or subtraction of fractions by ensuring they represent the same size parts.