Fraction X Adding Unlike Denominators: Iota Math

Fraction X Adding Unlike Denominators IOTA MATH

Reminder •

Be sure to do Fractions IX before continuing with this lesson.

Common Multiple •

A number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.

Some multiples of 3 & 6 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42

Least Common Multiple • The smallest common multiple of a set of two or more numbers.

5 = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 6 = 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36

Shortcut for Finding the Least Common Denominator or Least Common Multiple

Check to see if the smaller denominator divides evenly into the larger denominator. If it does, use the larger denominator for your LCD or LCM.

1 3 1 + 9

3 will divide evenly into 9, so 9 is your LCD or LCM.

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• Find the multiples of each denominator.

1 5 = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 1 +10 = 10, 20, 30, 40, 50

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• Compare the lists of multiples. Circle the common multiples between the two lists.

1 5 = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 1 +10 = 10, 20, 30, 40, 50

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• Use the lowest common multiple as the denominator.

1 5 = 5, 10, 15 ,20 ,25 ,30 1 +10 = 10, 20, 30, 40, 50

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• This number is also called the least common denominator.

1 5 = 5, 10, 15 ,20 ,25 ,30 1 +10 = 10, 20, 30, 40, 50

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• Rewrite the fractions using the least common denominator or least common multiple.

1 5 1 +10

10 10

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• Find the equivalent fractions for 1/5 & 1/10 with 10 as the denominator. You know that 1/10 1 is equal to 1/10 so 5 10 Put a 1 over the 1 1 Bottom 10. +10 10

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• Find the equivalent fractions for 1/5 & 1/10 with 10 as the denominator. To find the top 1 number, ask yourself 5 10 what do you multiply 1 1 the 5 by to get 10. +10 10

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• Find the equivalent fractions for 1/5 & 1/10 with 10 as the denominator. That’s right 2. Since you are looking for 1x 2 = equivalent fraction 5 x 2 = 10 theyou know the top 1 1 number must also be +10 10 multiplied by 2.

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• Find the equivalent fractions for 1/5 & 1/10 with 10 as the denominator.

1x 2 = 2 5 x 2 = 10 1 1 +10 10

To find the top number just multiply 2 x 1 to get your equivalent fraction.

To Add or Subtract Fractions With Unlike Denominators

• Now just add the numerators.

1x 2 = 2 5 x 2 = 10 1 1 +10 10 3 10

Remember when adding fractions you never add the denominators.

Add these Fractions

1 2 1 +8

8 8

Use the short cut to find the Least Common Denominator (LCD).

Add these Fractions

1 2x 4 = 8 1 + 8 x 1 =8

Now find the equivalent fractions for 1/2 & 1/8.

Ask what do you multiply 2 by to get 8 and what do you multiply 8 by to get 8.

Add these Fractions

1x 4 = 2x 4 = 8 1x 1 = + 8 x 1 =8

Since you are writing equivalent fractions, now multiply the top numbers by the same number you did in the bottom.

Add these Fractions

1x 4 = 4 2x 4 = 8 1x 1 =1 + 8x 1 =8

Now multiply across.

Add these Fractions

1x 4 = 4 2x 4 = 8 1x 1 =1 + 8x 1 =8 5 8

Add your new numerators.

Add these Fractions

2 5 1 +3

15 15

Find the common Multiples for 5 and 3. Write This number As your new denominator.

Add these Fractions

2 5 x 3 = 15 1 + 3 x 5 =15

Ask yourself what you multiply the bottom number by to get 15.

Add these Fractions

2x 3 = 5 x 3 = 15 1x 5 = + 3 x 5 =15

Multiply the top number by the same number you did in the bottom.

Add these Fractions

2x 3 = 6 5 x 3 = 15 1x 5 =5 + 3 x 5 =15

Multiply across.

Add these Fractions

2x 3 = 6 5 x 3 = 15 1x 5 =5 + 3 x 5 =15 11 15

Now add your new numerators.

Add these Fractions

1x 2 = 2 6 x 2 = 12 1x 3 =3 + 4 x 3 =12 5 12

Add these Fractions

5 x 4 = 20 6 x 4 = 24 1x 3 =3 + 8 x 3 =24 23 24

Add these Fractions

2x 3 = 6 3x 3 = 9 1x 1 =1 + 9x 1 =9 7 9

Add these Fractions

4 x 3 = 12 5 x 3 = 15 2 x 5 = 10 + 3 x 5 = 15 22 15

Simplify Your Answer

22 15

7 1 15 15) 22 15 7

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