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Write a paragraph to help Miguel explain to Hannah how to complete the problems. Be sure to explain the process step-by-step (remember he is helping a 4th grader) and don’t forget to explain how to find the common denominator.

1.) 5/9 + 2/15

2.) 11/12 - 3/4

1 Answer

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Steps in adding fractions.
Step 1. Make sure that the denominators are the same.
5/9 + 2/15

* 9 and 15 are the denominators, they are not the same. we need to look for a common number between the two.
* 9 x 5 = 45 ; 15 x 3 = 45. 45 is their common number. we can use it as their common denominator.

5/9 must both be multiplied by 5. 5 * 5 = 25 ; 9 * 5 = 45 ; 25/45
2/15 must both be multiplied by 3. 2 * 3 = 6 ; 15 * 3 = 45 ; 6/45

Step 2. Add the numerators and place them above their common denominator
25/45 + 6/45 = (25 + 6)/45 = 31/45

Step 3. Simplify the fraction
31/45 is already the simplified fraction.

Therefore, 5/9 + 2/15 = 31/45

Steps in Subtracting fractions.
Step 1. Make sure the denominators are the same.
11/12 - 3/4

* 12 and 4 are not the same, however, 12 is 3 times bigger than 4. Therefore, we can multiply 3/4 by 3. 3*3 / 4*3 = 9/12
Step 2. Subtract the numerators and place them above the common denominator
11/12 - 9/12 = (11-9)/12 = 2/12

Step 3. Simplify the fraction
2/12 can still be simplified. both numbers can be divided by 2.

2 / 2 = 1 ; 12 / 2 = 6
2/12 = 1/6

11/12 - 3/4 = 1/6
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