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Knowing the LCM will help when adding or subtracting unlike fractions. By finding the LCM of the denominators, (called the lowest common denominator) you can convert unlike to like fractions and proceed with the adding or subtracting.

Knowing the GCF helps reduce a fraction. By finding the GCF of the numerator and the denominator and dividing both of them by it, you can reduce a fraction to its lowest terms (simplest form). If the GCF is 1, the fraction is in its simplest form. You can successfully multiply fractions without knowing the GCF or LCM.

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Q: How can knowing the GCF and LCM help you when you add subtract and multiply fractions?
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How can knowing the GCF and LCM help you when you add subtract and multiply fraction?

Knowing the LCM of the denominators of unlike fractions will help you find the least common denominator, a necessary step in adding and subtracting them. Knowing the GCF of a numerator and denominator will tell you if the fraction can be reduced.


How can using the GCF and LMC help you you add subtract and multiply fractions?

In order to add or subtract fractions, the denominator (bottom number) has to be the same. In order to make it the same, you find the LCM and multiply the fraction by whatever is necessary to make the denominator the LCM. FOR EXAMPLE: 1/3 + 2/5 The LCM of 3 and 5 is 15. To make the 3 in 1/3 15, you multiply the whole fraction by 5 over 5 (it simplifies to 1 so you aren't really changing the fraction by multiplying it by 1). 1/3 * 5/5 is 5/15 You multiply 2/5 times 3 over 3 using the same principle 2/5 * 3/3 is 6/15 NOW you can add 5/15 and 6/15 to get 11/15.


How can knowing the greatest common factor and least common multiple help you when you add subtract and multiply fractions?

Knowing the least common multiple of the denominators will help you find a common denominator when adding and subtracting unlike fractions. Knowing the greatest common factor of the numerator and the denominator will help you reduce the fraction if possible.


What are the rules of the dissimilar fractions?

I assume you mean, with different denominators. If you want to add the fractions, subtract them, or compare them (determine which one is greater), you have to convert them to similar fractions (fractions with the same denominator) first. Converting to similar fractions is not necessary, and usually doesn't even help, if you want to multiply or divide fractions.


What good is math?

It will help you in life a ton! knowing how to add,multiply,subtract,and a lot of other math stuff will help you get good grads, get a good job, and help you know if your getting ripped off at a yard sale.


Why do you needto find the LCM?

Finding the LCM will help you when you need to add and subtract fractions.


Why is finding the least common multiple important?

It will help when you are trying to add and subtract fractions.


Why should you find a LCM?

Finding an LCM will help when you want to add and subtract fractions.


How does knowing factors help you simplify fractions?

Knowing factors will help you find a GCF. To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by their GCF.


How do you use prime factorization to subtract fractions in math?

Finding the prime factorizations of the denominators will help you find the least common denominator. Converting to equivalent fractions with like denominators will allow you to subtract them successfully.


How does finding the gcf help you solve real world problems?

Finding the LCM will help you add and subtract fractions. Finding the GCF will help you reduce fractions.


Why is it important to find the LCM of 2 numbers?

It will help when you want to add and subtract unlike fractions.