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How can finding the least common multiple of two numbers help you add fractions?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
When you have fractions with unlike denominators, it is necessary to find a common denominator before you add or subtract them. The process is the same as finding an LCM, but since the numbers are denominators, we call it the least common denominator.
Example: 1/3 + 1/4
The LCM of 3 and 4 is 12.
1/3 = 4/12
1/4 = 3/12
1/3 + 1/4 = 7/12
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoWhen adding unlike fractions, find the LCM of the denominators and convert them to it.
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Why is it important to find the least common multiple?
If you are adding fractions, finding the least common multiple makes the arithmetic easier. For instance if you add 3/4, 5/6 and 1/12 the LCM is 12. In the worst case, you might multiply 4x6x12 to get 288, and have to change each fraction to 288ths!
What are the differentiate of GCF LCM and LCD?
The greatest common factor, or GCF, is the largest number that can divide evenly with no remainder into all the members of a given set of numbers. The least common multiple, or LCM, is the smallest number that all the members of a given set of numbers can divide into evenly with no remainder. The lowest common denominator, or LCD, is essentially the same thing as the LCM except the numbers being compared are the bottom parts of fractions.
How can the greatest common factor and least common multiple help you work with fractions?
Finding the GCF of the numerator and the denominator of a fraction and dividing them both by it will give you the simplest form of that fraction. Finding the LCM of unlike denominators and converting them to it will make it possible to add and subtract unlike fractions.
What is the least common multiple of 2 third?
The LCM refers to whole numbers, not fractions.
When is it useful to find the LCM or GCF of two numbers to solve a problem?
When adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators and when reducing fractions to their lowest termsWhen adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators their lowest common multiple is needed and when reducing fractions to their lowest terms their greatest common factor is needed.
What information does the least common multiple of two numbers provide in a problem?
When adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators the lowest common denominator is needed and is found by finding the lowest common multiple of the denominators.
What is the least common denominator for the fractions 5656 and 3838?
There doesn't appear to be any fractions there but to find the LCD of fractions is done in the same way as finding the lowest common multiple of numbers.
How do you add rational numbers?
By finding their common denominator & adding the top numbers of-the fractions. : )
What is the upside down birthday cake method in math?
It is a method of finding the LCM (Least Common Multiple) of 2 or more numbers. Suitably used for finding the least common denominator when adding/subtracting fractions.
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 do you subtract fractions with different denominators?
By finding their lowest common denominator by means of their lowest common multiple
Why is finding the least common multiple important?
It will help when you are trying to add and subtract fractions.
Why is it important to find the least common multiple?
If you are adding fractions, finding the least common multiple makes the arithmetic easier. For instance if you add 3/4, 5/6 and 1/12 the LCM is 12. In the worst case, you might multiply 4x6x12 to get 288, and have to change each fraction to 288ths!
What are the steps in finding the least common multiple of two numbers?
to find the least common multiple of two numbers you must list the factors then you can find out their least common multiple of the two numbers
How does finding the least common multiple help you add fractions?
Because when adding or subtracting fractions the denominators must have the same values
What are the differentiate of GCF LCM and LCD?
The greatest common factor, or GCF, is the largest number that can divide evenly with no remainder into all the members of a given set of numbers. The least common multiple, or LCM, is the smallest number that all the members of a given set of numbers can divide into evenly with no remainder. The lowest common denominator, or LCD, is essentially the same thing as the LCM except the numbers being compared are the bottom parts of fractions.
How can the greatest common factor and least common multiple help you work with fractions?
Finding the GCF of the numerator and the denominator of a fraction and dividing them both by it will give you the simplest form of that fraction. Finding the LCM of unlike denominators and converting them to it will make it possible to add and subtract unlike fractions.
