Question

How do you add fractions with a different denominator

Answer 1

You add fractions with a different factor by using a common factor for the denominator.

Explanation:

Example:

4/5 + 3/4=

4: 4,8,12,16,20

5: 5,10,15,20

The factor I'm using is 20, but you can use whichever is comfortable for you.

4 x 4=16

5 x 4=20= 16/20

Use the same formula for 3/4, then add. Make sure both fractions have the same denominator.

15/20 + 16/20= 31/20 or 1 and 11/20.

Answer 2

When adding fractions with different denominators, you need to find the LCD (Least Common Denominator).

Explanation:

For example:

2/3 + 4/5

To find the LCD we need to find a table that has the same number in both five and three which is 15.

3,6,9,12,15

5,10,15

___

So now multiply 2/3 by 5 and 4/5 by 3.

Now the problem is..

10/15 + 12/15

Then just add the numerators across! (Keep the denominators the same).

When you add them you get 22/15. So since the answer is improper we need to divide it into a mixed number. The answer is 1 7/15.

Hope this helped! :D