How to Add Fractions: Examples and Steps
Adding fractions is a common math problem that students study in school. It can look intimidating at first, but it can be easy 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 give examples to see how this is done. Adding fractions is crucial for several subjects as you move ahead in math and science, so ensure to master these skills early!
The Process of Adding Fractions
Adding fractions is a skill that numerous kids have difficulty with. Despite that, it is a relatively simple process once you grasp the basic principles. There are three primary steps to adding fractions: finding a common denominator, adding the numerators, and simplifying the answer. Let’s carefully analyze every one of these steps, and then we’ll do some examples.
Step 1: Finding a Common Denominator
With these helpful tips, you’ll be adding fractions like a expert in a flash! The initial step is to determine a common denominator for the two fractions you are adding. The least common denominator is the lowest number that both fractions will share uniformly.
If the fractions you wish to sum share the same denominator, you can avoid this step. If not, to look for the common denominator, you can determine the number of the factors of respective number until you find a common one.
For example, let’s assume we wish to add the fractions 1/3 and 1/6. The lowest common denominator for these two fractions is six for the reason that both denominators will divide equally into that number.
Here’s a good tip: if you are not sure regarding this process, you can multiply both denominators, and you will [[also|subsequently80] get a common denominator, which would be 18.
Step Two: Adding the Numerators
Once you acquired the common denominator, the immediate step is to change each fraction so that it has that denominator.
To convert these into an equivalent fraction with the same denominator, you will multiply both the denominator and numerator by the identical number necessary to attain the common denominator.
Subsequently the previous example, 6 will become the common denominator. To convert the numerators, we will multiply 1/3 by 2 to achieve 2/6, while 1/6 would remain the same.
Since both the fractions share common denominators, we can add the numerators simultaneously to achieve 3/6, a proper fraction that we will proceed to simplify.
Step Three: Simplifying the Answers
The final step is to simplify the fraction. Doing so means we are required to diminish the fraction to its minimum terms. To obtain this, we search for the most common factor of the numerator and denominator and divide them by it. In our example, the greatest common factor of 3 and 6 is 3. When we divide both numbers by 3, we get the final result of 1/2.
You follow the same process to add and subtract fractions.
Examples of How to Add Fractions
Now, let’s move forward to add these two fractions:
2/4 + 6/4
By utilizing the steps above, you will notice that they share equivalent denominators. Lucky you, this means you can avoid the first step. At the moment, all you have to do is add the numerators and allow it to be the same denominator as before.
2/4 + 6/4 = 8/4
Now, let’s attempt to simplify the fraction. We can notice that this is an improper fraction, as the numerator is greater than the denominator. This might indicate that you could simplify the fraction, but this is not possible when we deal 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 result 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 pro at adding fractions in no time.
Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators
This process will require an additional step when you add or subtract fractions with dissimilar 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 mentioned before this, to add unlike fractions, you must follow all three steps mentioned above to change these unlike denominators into equivalent fractions
Examples of How to Add Fractions with Unlike Denominators
At this point, we will focus on another example by summing up the following fractions:
1/6+2/3+6/4
As you can see, the denominators are distinct, and the lowest common multiple is 12. Hence, we multiply every fraction by a number to get the denominator of 12.
1/6 * 2 = 2/12
2/3 * 4 = 8/12
6/4 * 3 = 18/12
Since all the fractions have a common denominator, we will move ahead to total the numerators:
2/12 + 8/12 + 18/12 = 28/12
We simplify the fraction by splitting the numerator and denominator by 4, concluding with a ultimate result of 7/3.
Adding Mixed Numbers
We have discussed like and unlike fractions, but presently we will touch upon mixed fractions. These are fractions followed by whole numbers.
The Steps to Adding Mixed Numbers
To figure out addition sums with mixed numbers, you must initiate by converting the mixed number into a fraction. Here are the procedures 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
Take down your answer as a numerator and retain the denominator.
Now, you move forward by adding these unlike fractions as you usually would.
Examples of How to Add Mixed Numbers
As an example, we will work out 1 3/4 + 5/4.
Foremost, let’s transform the mixed number into a fraction. You will need to multiply the whole number by the denominator, which is 4. 1 = 4/4
Next, 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 adding the numerators with the similar denominator, we will have a final answer of 12/4. We simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 4, ensuing in 3 as a conclusive result.
Use Grade Potential to Enhance Your Mathematics Skills Today
If you're having problems understanding adding fractions, consider signing up for a tutoring session with Grade Potential. One of our expert tutors can guide you understand the topic and ace your next examination.
