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?

Back

Unlike denominators are denominators that are not the same. For example, in the fractions 1/2 and 3/4, the denominators 2 and 4 are unlike.

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 1/2 and 3/8?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator. The least common multiple of 2 and 8 is 8.

Front

Convert 1/2 to a fraction with a denominator of 8.

Back

1/2 can be converted to 4/8 by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 4.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for finding the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

The LCM of two numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of both. You can find it by listing the multiples or using the prime factorization method.

Front

How do you 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 to get 6/15.

Front

What is the sum of 1/3 and 2/5?

Back

The sum of 1/3 and 2/5 is 11/15 after finding a common denominator and adding the fractions.