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Yes. You need common denominators if you want to:

  • Add fractions
  • Subtract fractions
  • Compare fractions ("which is larger?")

You do not need common denominators to multiply or divide fractions. Thus, in the case of fractions, multiplication and division is actually easier than addition and subtraction.

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Q: Do you need common denominators when subtracting fractions?
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Related questions

How is finding the LCM revelant when adding and subtracting fractions?

To add and subtract fractions, you need common denominators. To find the common denominator, find the LCM of the denominators you wish to add or subtract.


Fractions Have The Same Denominators?

Not always but they need to have the same denominators when adding or subtracting them.


Do you have to change the denominators when multiplying fractions?

No. To multiple fractions multiple the numerators together and multiply the denominators together and simplify (by dividing both numerator and denominator of the result by common factors until the only common factor is 1). The denominators only need to be the same when adding or subtracting fractions.


Why does the equivalent fraction make adding and subtracting fractions easier?

You cannot add or subtract fractions with different denominators. If the denominators are different then you need to work with equivalent fractions.


How do you know whether to use common factors or multiples to solve a problem?

The hcf is useful in reducing fractions to their lowest terms and the lcm is useful in finding the lowest common denominator of fractions that have different denominators that need to be added or subtracted.


When will you need to find the multiples and factors?

When adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators and when reducing fractions to their lowest terms


What way is subracting fractions with unlike denominators like adding fractions with unlike denominators?

If the denominators are not the same, then you have to use equivalent fractions which do have a common denominator . To do this, you need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators.


When adding or subtracting two fractions with denominators that are not equal what is the first step you take?

The first step to take is find the lowest common denominator of the fractions which can be done by finding the lowest common multiple of the numbers.


How does the concept of LCM relate to fractions?

When you are adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, you need to find a least common denominator, or LCD. The process is the same as finding an LCM between two integers.


When adding fractions with unlike denominators it is most helpful if the fractions are renamed using the?

If the denominators are not the same, then you have to use equivalent fractions which do have a common denominator . To do this, you need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators. To add fractions with unlike denominators, rename the fractions with a common denominator.


Do you need a common denominator when subtracting fractions?

yes you should use a common denominator when subtracting with fractions, it makes it much easier.


When subtracting fractions do you need common denominaters?

Yes