How to Add Fractions: Examples and Steps
Adding fractions is a usual math application that kids study in school. It can seem intimidating at first, but it becomes simple with a bit of practice.
This blog article will guide the steps of adding two or more fractions and adding mixed fractions. We will ,on top of that, give examples to demonstrate how it is done. Adding fractions is necessary for a lot of subjects as you move ahead in science and mathematics, so make sure to master these skills initially!
The Procedures for Adding Fractions
Adding fractions is an ability that numerous children struggle with. Nevertheless, it is a moderately simple process once you master the fundamental principles. There are three major steps to adding fractions: looking for a common denominator, adding the numerators, and simplifying the answer. Let’s take a closer look at every one 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 pro in no time! The first step is to find a common denominator for the two fractions you are adding. The least common denominator is the lowest number that both fractions will split equally.
If the fractions you wish to sum share the identical 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 say we desire 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 split uniformly into that number.
Here’s a great tip: if you are uncertain about 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
Now that you possess the common denominator, the immediate step is to convert 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 identical number necessary to get the common denominator.
Following the last example, 6 will become the common denominator. To change the numerators, we will multiply 1/3 by 2 to achieve 2/6, while 1/6 would remain the same.
Now that both the fractions share common denominators, we can add the numerators together to attain 3/6, a proper fraction that we will continue to simplify.
Step Three: Simplifying the Results
The last process is to simplify the fraction. Doing so means we are required to lower the fraction to its minimum terms. To accomplish this, we find 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 steps to add and subtract fractions.
Examples of How to Add Fractions
Now, let’s continue to add these two fractions:
2/4 + 6/4
By applying the steps above, you will observe 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 sum of the numerators and let it be the same denominator as it was.
2/4 + 6/4 = 8/4
Now, let’s attempt to simplify the fraction. We can see that this is an improper fraction, as the numerator is greater than the denominator. This might suggest 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 ultimate answer of 2 by dividing the numerator and denominator by 2.
Considering 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
The procedure will require an extra step when you add or subtract fractions with different 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 have said prior to this, to add unlike fractions, you must obey all three procedures stated above to change these unlike denominators into equivalent fractions
Examples of How to Add Fractions with Unlike Denominators
Here, we will concentrate on another example by summing up the following fractions:
1/6+2/3+6/4
As shown, the denominators are dissimilar, and the smallest common multiple is 12. Therefore, 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
Now that 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 splitting the numerator and denominator by 4, coming to the final answer of 7/3.
Adding Mixed Numbers
We have talked about like and unlike fractions, but presently we will go through 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 start by turning 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
Take down your result as a numerator and keep the denominator.
Now, you proceed by summing these unlike fractions as you normally would.
Examples of How to Add Mixed Numbers
As an example, we will work with 1 3/4 + 5/4.
Foremost, let’s transform 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 described as a fraction to the other fraction in the mixed number.
4/4 + 3/4 = 7/4
You will end up with this operation:
7/4 + 5/4
By summing the numerators with the same denominator, we will have a ultimate result of 12/4. We simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 4, ensuing in 3 as a conclusive answer.
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