How to Add Fractions: Steps and Examples
Adding fractions is a common math application that kids study in school. It can look scary at first, but it becomes simple with a shred of practice.
This blog post will walk you through the steps of adding two or more fractions and adding mixed fractions. We will then provide examples to demonstrate how it is done. Adding fractions is crucial for various subjects as you progress in science and math, so ensure to master these skills early!
The Procedures for Adding Fractions
Adding fractions is an ability that many kids have a problem with. Nevertheless, it is a moderately simple process once you master the fundamental principles. There are three main steps to adding fractions: finding a common denominator, adding the numerators, and simplifying the answer. Let’s closely study each of these steps, and then we’ll look into some examples.
Step 1: Look for a Common Denominator
With these valuable tips, you’ll be adding fractions like a expert in a flash! The initial step is to find a common denominator for the two fractions you are adding. The least common denominator is the minimum number that both fractions will share evenly.
If the fractions you wish to add share the same denominator, you can skip this step. If not, to determine the common denominator, you can determine the amount of the factors of each number as far as you look for a common one.
For example, let’s assume we desire to add the fractions 1/3 and 1/6. The lowest common denominator for these two fractions is six in view of the fact that both denominators will divide equally into that number.
Here’s a good tip: if you are unsure regarding 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 possess the common denominator, the following step is to turn each fraction so that it has that denominator.
To turn these into an equivalent fraction with the exact denominator, you will multiply both the denominator and numerator by the exact number needed to achieve the common denominator.
Following the previous example, six will become the common denominator. To change the numerators, we will multiply 1/3 by 2 to achieve 2/6, while 1/6 would stay the same.
Now that 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 Results
The last step is to simplify the fraction. Doing so means we are required to lower the fraction to its lowest terms. To achieve this, we look for the most common factor of the numerator and denominator and divide them by it. In our example, the biggest common factor of 3 and 6 is 3. When we divide both numbers by 3, we get the concluding result of 1/2.
You follow the same procedure 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 applying the steps above, you will notice that they share identical denominators. Lucky for you, this means you can avoid the initial stage. At the moment, all you have to do is add the numerators and allow it to be the same denominator as it was.
2/4 + 6/4 = 8/4
Now, let’s try to simplify the fraction. We can see 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 necessarily the case with proper and improper fractions.
In this example, the numerator and denominator can be divided by 4, its most common denominator. You will get a ultimate answer of 2 by dividing the numerator and denominator by two.
As long as you follow these steps when dividing two or more fractions, you’ll be a professional at adding fractions in a matter of time.
Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators
This process will need an additional step when you add or subtract fractions with different denominators. To do this function with two or more fractions, they must have the same denominator.
The Steps to Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators
As we have said before this, to add unlike fractions, you must follow all three steps stated above to transform these unlike denominators into equivalent fractions
Examples of How to Add Fractions with Unlike Denominators
Here, we will put more emphasis on another example by adding the following fractions:
1/6+2/3+6/4
As shown, the denominators are distinct, and the smallest common multiple is 12. Therefore, we multiply each fraction by a value 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 total the numerators:
2/12 + 8/12 + 18/12 = 28/12
We simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by 4, concluding with 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 exercises with mixed numbers, you must start by turning 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
Note down your answer as a numerator and retain the denominator.
Now, you go ahead by summing these unlike fractions as you normally would.
Examples of How to Add Mixed Numbers
As an example, we will solve 1 3/4 + 5/4.
Foremost, let’s convert 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 conclude with this result:
7/4 + 5/4
By adding the numerators with the same denominator, we will have a conclusive answer of 12/4. We simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 4, resulting in 3 as a final answer.
Use Grade Potential to Enhance Your Math Skills Today
If you're finding yourself pondering about adding fractions, consider signing up for a tutoring class with Grade Potential. One of our professional instructors can help you grasp the topic and ace your next test.
