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Can you reduce before you add fractions that have a different denominator?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
You can simplify the fractions, if that is what you mean - sometimes that helps. In any case, whether you simplify the fractions or not, you have to find a common denominator for adding.
Example 1: 1/3 + 2/6 = 1/3 + 1/3 = 2/3 (in this case, simplifying produced a common denominator directly).
Example 2: 5/20 + 1/8 = 1/4 + 1/8 = 2/8 + 1/8 = 3/8 (in this case, you still have to find a common denominator, but simplifying the fraction first lets you work with smaller numbers, which is usually easier).
Example 3: 4/10 + 3/10 = 2/5 + 3/10 ... ??? In this case, reducing the fraction is utterly useless, since you have to convert the 2/5 back to tenths again.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
No, you cannot add fractions with different denominators directly. First, you need to find a common denominator by either finding the least common multiple of the denominators or multiplying each fraction by a suitable equivalent fraction to make the denominators the same. Once you have the same denominator, you can then add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
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How do you add and subtract by fractions?
If the fractions have the same denominator, add and subtract the numerators as if the denominators weren't there and put the result over that denominator. Reduce if possible. If the fractions have different denominators, find the LCM of the denominators and convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with like denominators. Then add and subtract the numerators as if the denominators weren't there and put the result over that denominator. Reduce if possible.
What is the rule for subtracting fractions?
First, change it so that the two fractions have the same denominator (by changing the fractions into equivalent fractions). Once the two fractions have the same denominator, it is simply a case of subtracting the numerators, leaving the denominator the same. Finally, reduce the fraction to its lowest terms (if possible).
How do you reduce fractions to simplest terms?
You divide both the numerator and denominator by a common multiple.
How do you you reduce a fraction with a negative number as a numerator?
To reduce a fraction with a negative number as a numerator, you can first simplify the fraction by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. Then, divide both the numerator and denominator by their GCD and the negative sign remains unchanged. This will result in a reduced fraction with a negative numerator.
How do you multiply fractions that have the same denominator?
you don't do anything. you just multiply it together unless on the numerator you can reduce it with one of the denominators. ================================= On the remote chance that perhaps you find the first answer unclear, here's another explanation: To multiply two fractions: -- Multiply their numerators. That product is the numerator of the answer. -- Multiply their denominators. That product is the denominator of the answer. -- Now you have the answer. It may be possible to simplify it (reduce it to lower terms). It's not necessary for the original two fractions to have the same denominator. Just follow the same two easy steps to multiply the fractions, whether their denominators are the same or different.
How do you add and subtract by fractions?
If the fractions have the same denominator, add and subtract the numerators as if the denominators weren't there and put the result over that denominator. Reduce if possible. If the fractions have different denominators, find the LCM of the denominators and convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with like denominators. Then add and subtract the numerators as if the denominators weren't there and put the result over that denominator. Reduce if possible.
How do you add or subtract dissimilar fractions?
You first convert them to similar fractions, i.e., to fractions that have the same denominator.* Step one: find a common denominator.* Step two: convert both fractions to equivalent fractions that have that denominator.
What is the rule for subtracting fractions?
First, change it so that the two fractions have the same denominator (by changing the fractions into equivalent fractions). Once the two fractions have the same denominator, it is simply a case of subtracting the numerators, leaving the denominator the same. Finally, reduce the fraction to its lowest terms (if possible).
How do you reduce fractions to simplest terms?
You divide both the numerator and denominator by a common multiple.
How do you add nonequivalent fractions?
Find a common denominator, (best is the LCM) Convert both fractions into a form with a common denominator Add numerators, keep sam common denom. Reduce.
How do you calculate the sum of fractions?
If the fractions do not all have the same denominator, find a common multiple of the denominators (ideally the lowest common multiple) and convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with this denominator. Now with all the fractions with the same denominator, add together the numerators. Finally, reduce the fraction to simplest terms, converting any improper fraction to a mixed number.
How do you you reduce a fraction with a negative number as a numerator?
To reduce a fraction with a negative number as a numerator, you can first simplify the fraction by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. Then, divide both the numerator and denominator by their GCD and the negative sign remains unchanged. This will result in a reduced fraction with a negative numerator.
How do you reduce fractions with whole numbers?
first you divide the numerator by whatever number and the denominator by the same number and that is your answer.
How do you multiply fractions that have the same denominator?
you don't do anything. you just multiply it together unless on the numerator you can reduce it with one of the denominators. ================================= On the remote chance that perhaps you find the first answer unclear, here's another explanation: To multiply two fractions: -- Multiply their numerators. That product is the numerator of the answer. -- Multiply their denominators. That product is the denominator of the answer. -- Now you have the answer. It may be possible to simplify it (reduce it to lower terms). It's not necessary for the original two fractions to have the same denominator. Just follow the same two easy steps to multiply the fractions, whether their denominators are the same or different.
Adding dissimilar fractions and whole numbers?
1. change the dissimilar fractions to similar fractions by getting the L.C.D or the least common denominator. 2. add the whole numbers and write down the given denominator. 3. reduce the answer to lowest term if possible.
Examples for LCM and HCF we use in daily life?
LCM is used to find the lowest common denominator in fractions HCF is used to reduce fractions to their simplest terms
What does GCF mean in fractions?
GCF doesn't apply to fractions, only to whole numbers. When those numbers are the numerator and denominator of a fraction, the GCF can be used to reduce it to its simplest form.
