To add fractions with different denominators, you need to find a common denominator that both fractions can be converted to. You can follow these steps:
Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. This is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into evenly.
Convert each fraction so that its denominator is the LCM found in step 1. To do this, you multiply both the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the same number.
Add the numerators of the two fractions together.
Simplify the resulting fraction, if possible, by finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by that factor.
Here's an example:
Suppose you want to add 1/4 and 1/6.
Step 1: The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.
Step 2: Convert the fractions to have a denominator of 12:
1/4 = 3/12 (multiply numerator and denominator by 3)
1/6 = 2/12 (multiply numerator and denominator by 2)
Step 3: Add the numerators:
3/12 + 2/12 = 5/12
Step 4: Simplify the fraction, if possible:
5/12 cannot be simplified further, so that is the final answer.
So, 1/4 + 1/6 = 5/12.