Adding Fractions for dummies Author abdul .s

There are 3 Simple Steps to add fractions:

Step 1: Make sure the bottom numbers (the denominators) are the same

Step 2: Add the top numbers (the numerators). Put the answer over the the same denominator as in step 1

Step 3: Simplify the fraction.

Example 1:

1	+	1
4		4

Step 1. The bottom numbers are already the same. Go straight to step 2.

Step 2. Add the top numbers and put the answer over the same denominator:

1	+	1	=	1 + 1	=	2
4		4		4		4

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

2	=	1
4		2

(If you are unsure of the last step see the equivalent fractions page)

Example 2:

1	+	1
3		6

Step 1. The bottom numbers are now different. We need to make them the same:

1	=	2
3		6

Step 2. Add the top numbers and put them over the same denominator:

2	+	1	=	2 + 1	=	3
6		6		6		6

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

3	=	1
6		2

Adding Fractions with Different Denominators

To Add Fractions with different denominators:

• Find the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD) of the fractions
• Add in the new numbers to the fractions to have the LCD
• Add the numerators of the fractions
• Simplify the Fraction

Example: Find the Sum of 2/9 and 3/12

• Determine the Greatest Common Factor of 9 and 12 which is 3
• Either multiply the denominators and divide by the GCF (9*12=108, 108/3=36)
• OR - Divide one of the denominators by the GCF and multiply the answer by the other denominator (9/3=3, 3*12=36)
• Rename the fractions to use the Least Common Denominator(2/9=8/36, 3/12=9/36)
• The result is 8/36 + 9/36
• Add the numerators and put the sum over the LCD = 17/36
• Simplify the fraction if possible. In this case it is not possible

@ pictures from various sites