How to Add Fractions: Examples and Steps
Adding fractions is a usual math operation that kids learn in school. It can look intimidating at first, but it turns easy with a shred of practice.
This blog article will walk you through the procedure of adding two or more fractions and adding mixed fractions. We will also provide examples to demonstrate how it is done. Adding fractions is crucial for various subjects as you progress in science and math, so be sure to learn these skills early!
The Process of Adding Fractions
Adding fractions is a skill that many children have a problem with. However, it is a relatively easy process once you understand 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 every one of these steps, and then we’ll work on some examples.
Step 1: Determining a Common Denominator
With these helpful tips, you’ll be adding fractions like a pro in an instant! The first 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 split equally.
If the fractions you desire to add share the equal denominator, you can avoid this step. If not, to determine the common denominator, you can list out the factors of respective number as far as you determine 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 in view of the fact that both denominators will divide equally into that number.
Here’s a quick tip: if you are unsure regarding 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
Once you acquired the common denominator, the next 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 same number needed to achieve the common denominator.
Following the prior example, 6 will become the common denominator. To convert the numerators, we will multiply 1/3 by 2 to get 2/6, while 1/6 would remain the same.
Now that both the fractions share common denominators, we can add the numerators simultaneously to attain 3/6, a proper fraction that we will continue to simplify.
Step Three: Streamlining the Results
The final step is to simplify the fraction. Consequently, it means we are required to lower the fraction to its lowest terms. To achieve this, we search for the most common factor of the numerator and denominator and divide them by it. In our example, the largest common factor of 3 and 6 is 3. When we divide both numbers by 3, we get the concluding answer of 1/2.
You go by the same steps to add and subtract fractions.
Examples of How to Add Fractions
Now, let’s proceed to add these two fractions:
2/4 + 6/4
By using the steps above, you will notice that they share equivalent denominators. Lucky for you, this means you can skip the first step. Now, all you have to do is sum of the numerators and leave the same denominator as it was.
2/4 + 6/4 = 8/4
Now, let’s try to simplify the fraction. We can perceive that this is an improper fraction, as the numerator is larger than the denominator. This may indicate that you could simplify the fraction, but this is not feasible when we work 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 conclusive result of 2 by dividing the numerator and denominator by 2.
Provided that you follow these steps when dividing two or more fractions, you’ll be a expert at adding fractions in matter of days.
Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators
This process will require 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 identical denominator.
The Steps to Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators
As we have said before this, to add unlike fractions, you must follow all three procedures mentioned prior to change 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 lowest common multiple is 12. Thus, we multiply each fraction by a value to attain the denominator of 12.
1/6 * 2 = 2/12
2/3 * 4 = 8/12
6/4 * 3 = 18/12
Since all the fractions have a common denominator, we will move ahead to add 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 ultimate result of 7/3.
Adding Mixed Numbers
We have discussed like and unlike fractions, but now we will go through mixed fractions. These are fractions accompanied by whole numbers.
The Steps to Adding Mixed Numbers
To work out addition problems 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
Write down your result as a numerator and keep the denominator.
Now, you proceed by adding these unlike fractions as you usually would.
Examples of How to Add Mixed Numbers
As an example, we will work with 1 3/4 + 5/4.
Foremost, let’s change the mixed number into a fraction. You are required to multiply the whole number by the denominator, which is 4. 1 = 4/4
Next, add the whole number represented as a fraction to the other fraction in the mixed number.
4/4 + 3/4 = 7/4
You will end up 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, ensuing in 3 as a conclusive answer.
Use Grade Potential to Enhance Your Arithmetics Skills Today
If you're having problems understanding adding fractions, consider signing up for a tutoring session with Grade Potential. One of our professional tutors can guide you understand the material and nailcrack your next test.
