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The Purplemath Forums |
Fractions Review (page 4 of 5) Sections: Reducing fractions, Mixed numbers and improper fractions, Multiplying and dividing fractions, Adding and subtracting fractions, Adding polynomial fractions To add fractions, you have to have "common" (shared) denominators. As the proverb says, you can only add apples to apples, not apples to oranges. In the context of fractions, you can't combine 1/4 and 2/5; you first have to convert to 5/20 and 8/20. Believe it or not, many civilizations (such as the ancient Egyptians) never figured out the common-denominator concept. So don't feel bad if you have some trouble with the computations! The basic idea with common denominators is to multiply fractions by useful forms of 1. What does this mean? Take a look:
Before I can add these fractions, I have to find their common denominator. The lowest (smallest) common denominator is just the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the two denominators, 4 and 5. The prime factorizations and LCM are:
In other words, I have to convert the fourths and fifths into twentieths. I'll do this by multiplying by a useful form of 1. In the case of the 1/4, the 4 needs to become a 20, so I'll multiply the 4 by 5. To keep the fraction equal to the same value, I'll multiply the top by 5, too. In other words, I'll multiply by 5/5, which is just 1: Copyright © Elizabeth Stapel 2000-2011 All Rights Reserved
In the case of the 2/5, the 5 needs to become a 20, so I'll multiply the 5 by 4. To keep the fraction equal to the same value, I'll multiply the top by 4, too. In other words, I'll multiply by 4/4, which is just 1:
Only now can I actually add the fractions:
Note that your calculator may be able to do all of this for you; check your manual. But make sure you at least understand the basic idea, because you'll need this process later in algebra.
First, find the LCM:
Then convert and simplify:
You can use the Mathway widget below to practice "Operations on Fractions". Try the entered exercise, or type in your own exercise. Then click "Answer" to compare your answer to Mathway's. (Or skip the widget and continue with the lesson.) To activate, click in the "Enter Problem" box below: (Clicking on "View Steps" on the widget's answer screen will take you to the Mathway site, where you can register for a free seven-day trial of the software.) << Previous Top | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Return to Index Next >>
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