How to Add Fractions: Steps and Examples
Adding fractions is a regular math operation that kids learn in school. It can seem scary initially, but it becomes simple with a bit of practice.
This blog article will take you through the process of adding two or more fractions and adding mixed fractions. We will then provide examples to demonstrate what must be done. Adding fractions is essential for various subjects as you advance in science and mathematics, so ensure to master these skills early!
The Process of Adding Fractions
Adding fractions is a skill that numerous children have difficulty with. Nevertheless, it is a somewhat simple process once you master the fundamental principles. There are three primary steps to adding fractions: finding a common denominator, adding the numerators, and streamlining the answer. Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps, and then we’ll work on some examples.
Step 1: Finding a Common Denominator
With these useful tips, you’ll be adding fractions like a pro in no time! The initial step is to look for a common denominator for the two fractions you are adding. The least common denominator is the lowest number that both fractions will divide uniformly.
If the fractions you desire to sum share the equal denominator, you can skip this step. If not, to determine the common denominator, you can list out the factors of each number as far as you determine a common one.
For example, let’s assume we desire to add the fractions 1/3 and 1/6. The smallest common denominator for these two fractions is six in view of the fact that both denominators will divide uniformly into that number.
Here’s a quick tip: if you are not sure about this step, you can multiply both denominators, and you will [[also|subsequently80] get a common denominator, which would be 18.
Step Two: Adding the Numerators
Now that you acquired the common denominator, the next step is to change each fraction so that it has that denominator.
To change these into an equivalent fraction with the same denominator, you will multiply both the denominator and numerator by the exact number required to attain the common denominator.
Subsequently the prior example, 6 will become the common denominator. To change the numerators, we will multiply 1/3 by 2 to attain 2/6, while 1/6 would stay the same.
Since both the fractions share common denominators, we can add the numerators simultaneously to get 3/6, a proper fraction that we will continue to simplify.
Step Three: Streamlining the Results
The last step is to simplify the fraction. Doing so means we need to lower the fraction to its minimum terms. To obtain this, we find the most common factor of the numerator and denominator and divide them by it. In our example, the largest common factor of 3 and 6 is 3. When we divide both numbers by 3, we get the concluding answer of 1/2.
You go by the exact process to add and subtract fractions.
Examples of How to Add Fractions
Now, let’s proceed to add these two fractions:
2/4 + 6/4
By utilizing the procedures mentioned above, you will observe that they share equivalent denominators. Lucky you, this means you can avoid the first step. Now, all you have to do is sum of the numerators and allow it to be the same denominator as before.
2/4 + 6/4 = 8/4
Now, let’s try to simplify the fraction. We can perceive that this is an improper fraction, as the numerator is higher than the denominator. This could indicate that you could simplify the fraction, but this is not feasible when we work with proper and improper fractions.
In this instance, the numerator and denominator can be divided by 4, its most common denominator. You will get a final answer of 2 by dividing the numerator and denominator by 2.
Considering you go by these steps when dividing two or more fractions, you’ll be a expert at adding fractions in no time.
Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators
The procedure will require an supplementary step when you add or subtract fractions with distinct denominators. To do this function with two or more fractions, they must have the exact denominator.
The Steps to Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators
As we stated prior to this, to add unlike fractions, you must follow all three procedures mentioned prior to change these unlike denominators into equivalent fractions
Examples of How to Add Fractions with Unlike Denominators
Here, we will focus on another example by adding the following fractions:
1/6+2/3+6/4
As shown, the denominators are dissimilar, and the smallest common multiple is 12. Thus, we multiply each fraction by a number to achieve the denominator of 12.
1/6 * 2 = 2/12
2/3 * 4 = 8/12
6/4 * 3 = 18/12
Once all the fractions have a common denominator, we will proceed to add the numerators:
2/12 + 8/12 + 18/12 = 28/12
We simplify the fraction by splitting the numerator and denominator by 4, finding a final answer of 7/3.
Adding Mixed Numbers
We have mentioned like and unlike fractions, but now we will touch upon mixed fractions. These are fractions followed by whole numbers.
The Steps to Adding Mixed Numbers
To work out addition problems with mixed numbers, you must start by converting the mixed number into a fraction. Here are the steps and keep reading for an example.
Step 1
Multiply the whole number by the numerator
Step 2
Add that number to the numerator.
Step 3
Write down your answer as a numerator and retain the denominator.
Now, you go ahead by summing these unlike fractions as you generally would.
Examples of How to Add Mixed Numbers
As an example, we will work out 1 3/4 + 5/4.
First, let’s change the mixed number into a fraction. You are required to multiply the whole number by the denominator, which is 4. 1 = 4/4
Then, add the whole number represented as a fraction to the other fraction in the mixed number.
4/4 + 3/4 = 7/4
You will be left with this result:
7/4 + 5/4
By summing the numerators with the exact denominator, we will have a final result of 12/4. We simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 4, ensuing in 3 as a final answer.
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