Adding Fractions

I can add fractions with unlike denominators by finding a common denominator.

• 1

  When adding fractions with unlike denominators, the first step is to find a common denominator by determining the least common multiple of the denominators.

• 2

  To rename a fraction, you multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the same number to obtain an equivalent fraction with the common denominator.

• 3

  After renaming fractions with a common denominator, you can add the numerators and keep the denominator the same, then check to see if the answer can be simplified.