How to Add Fractions

To add fractions, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a common denominator. To add fractions with different denominators, you need to find a common denominator. A common denominator is a number that is divisible by all the denominators of the fractions you want to add. For example, if you want to add 1/4 and 1/3, you need to find a common denominator. One common denominator for these fractions is 12, which is the least common multiple of 4 and 3. You can convert 1/4 to 3/12 and 1/3 to 4/12.

Step 2: Add the numerators. Once you have found a common denominator, you can add the numerators. Add the numerators of the fractions together and write the sum over the common denominator. For example, if you want to add 3/12 and 4/12, you add the numerators (3+4 = 7) and write the sum over the common denominator, which is 12. So the answer is 7/12.

Step 3: Simplify the fraction (if necessary). If the resulting fraction can be simplified, simplify it. A fraction is in its simplest form when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. For example, if the answer is 4/8, you can simplify it to 1/2 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 4.

Here's an example: To add 2/3 and 1/2, Step 1: Find a common denominator, which is 6 (the least common multiple of 2 and 3). Step 2: Convert the fractions to have the common denominator: 2/3 can be converted to 4/6, and 1/2 can be converted to 3/6. Step 3: Add the numerators: 4/6 + 3/6 = 7/6 Step 4: Simplify the fraction: 7/6 cannot be simplified, so it is the final answer.

Therefore, 2/3 + 1/2 = 7/6.