Adding and Subtracting Dissimilar Fractions by MathoGuide
Adding and Subtracting Dissimilar Fractions by MathoGuide
To add or subtract dissimilar (unlike) fractions, you need to find a common denominator. Here are the steps:
1. **Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD):** This is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into evenly.
2. **Convert to Equivalent Fractions:** Change each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD as the new denominator.
3. **Add or Subtract the Numerators:** Keep the common denominator and perform the addition or subtraction on the numerators.
4. **Simplify if Necessary:** Reduce the fraction to its simplest form.
### Example: Adding Fractions
Add (2/3) and (1/4):
1. **Find the LCD:**
- Denominators are 3 and 4.
- The LCD of 3 and 4 is 12.
2. **Convert to Equivalent Fractions:**
2/3 becomes (2 times 4)/(3 times 4)
= 8/12.
1/4 becomes (1 times 3)/(4 times 3)
= 3/12.
3. **Add the Numerators:**
8/12 + 3/12
= (8 + 3)/12
= 11/12
#fraction #addingfractions #mathoguide
To add or subtract dissimilar (unlike) fractions, you need to find a common denominator. Here are the steps:
1. **Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD):** This is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into evenly.
2. **Convert to Equivalent Fractions:** Change each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD as the new denominator.
3. **Add or Subtract the Numerators:** Keep the common denominator and perform the addition or subtraction on the numerators.
4. **Simplify if Necessary:** Reduce the fraction to its simplest form.
### Example: Adding Fractions
Add (2/3) and (1/4):
1. **Find the LCD:**
- Denominators are 3 and 4.
- The LCD of 3 and 4 is 12.
2. **Convert to Equivalent Fractions:**
2/3 becomes (2 times 4)/(3 times 4)
= 8/12.
1/4 becomes (1 times 3)/(4 times 3)
= 3/12.
3. **Add the Numerators:**
8/12 + 3/12
= (8 + 3)/12
= 11/12
#fraction #addingfractions #mathoguide