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Make all the fractions into equivalent fractions with the same denominator.

The choice of the new denominator is up to you. Two suggestions:

  1. multiply together all the denominators and use that (guaranteed to work, but may involve some very large numbers);
  2. find the lowest common multiple of all the denominators and use that.

example:

Solve 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/12

LCM of 2, 3, 12 is 12

1/2 = 6/12

1/3 = 4/12

1/12 = 1/12

1/2 + 1/3 + 1/12 = 6/12 + 4/12 + 1/12= 11/12

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14y ago

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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. Then add and simplify.


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What is least common multiple or LCM?

The LCM is used to help you add or subtract fractions with different denominators.


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To add or subtract fractions with different denominators, first find equivalent fractions by determining a common denominator. This typically involves finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with this common denominator, and then you can add or subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same. Finally, simplify the resulting fraction if possible.


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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.


When add or subtract fractions with different denominators first find equivalent fractions with a what?

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