How to Add Fractions with Different Denominators and Find a Common Denominator – Step-by-Step Guide

Adding with different denominator

Adding fractions with different denominators requires finding a common denominator

Adding fractions with different denominators requires finding a common denominator. The common denominator is a number that both denominators can divide into evenly. Once the common denominator is determined, the fractions can be rewritten with that denominator.

Let’s say we want to add the fractions 3/4 and 1/3.

Step 1: Find the common denominator.
In this case, the common denominator is 12. Both 4 and 3 can divide evenly into 12.

Step 2: Rewrite the fractions with the common denominator.
For the fraction 3/4, we need to multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3 to get the new fraction (3/4) × (3/3) = 9/12.

For the fraction 1/3, we need to multiply both the numerator and denominator by 4 to get the new fraction (1/3) × (4/4) = 4/12.

Step 3: Add the fractions.
Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can add them together:
9/12 + 4/12 = 13/12.

So, the sum of 3/4 and 1/3 is 13/12.

However, note that the result is an improper fraction. If necessary, we can also convert it to a mixed number. In this case, 13/12 is equal to 1 and 1/12.

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