How to Add and Multiply Fractions

Adding and multiplying fractions can seem challenging at first, but it is actually quite simple if you know the steps. Here is how to add and multiply fractions:

Adding Fractions: To add fractions, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a common denominator (a number that both denominators can divide into evenly). Step 2: Convert each fraction so that it has the same denominator. Step 3: Add the numerators together. Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.

Let's look at an example:

1/3 + 2/5

Step 1: The common denominator for 3 and 5 is 15 (3 x 5). Step 2: Convert 1/3 and 2/5 to have a denominator of 15: 1/3 = 5/15 (multiply numerator and denominator by 5) 2/5 = 6/15 (multiply numerator and denominator by 3) Step 3: Add the numerators together: 5/15 + 6/15 = 11/15 Step 4: Simplify the fraction: 11/15 is already in its simplest form, so we're done.

Multiplying Fractions: To multiply fractions, follow these steps:

Step 1: Multiply the numerators together. Step 2: Multiply the denominators together. Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.

Let's look at an example:

2/3 x 4/5

Step 1: Multiply the numerators: 2 x 4 = 8 Step 2: Multiply the denominators: 3 x 5 = 15 Step 3: Simplify the fraction: 8/15 is already in its simplest form, so we're done.

That's it! By following these simple steps, you can add and multiply fractions easily.