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you can't add a pear to apples to see how many apples you have

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Q: How do you explain to kids why you have to have common denominators before adding fractions?
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Before adding or subtracting two fractions they are converted into like fractions Explain with examples why this is necessary?

Before adding or subtracting two fractions they are converted into like fractions. Explain with examples why this is necessary.


What did you learn from adding and subtracting fractions?

I learned to always change the denominators before adding or subtracting the numerators. You must always have a common denominator before adding or subtracting.


Why must the denominators in fractions be the same before you add them?

you have to find the common factor of the two number befor adding them.


What is adding fractions with unlike denominators?

I'm really sorry I've done this before but i just totally am thinking the same exact thing!


Why do you need to find a common denominator before you can add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators?

Because if you skip that step . . . -- you'll need to invent your own method for adding fractions with different denominators, because every method you'll ever be taught or find on your own requires common denominators, and -- the answer you get will be wrong.


What are the Rules of adding and subtracting dissimilar fractions?

If their denominators are different then find their lowest common denominator by means of their lowest common multiple remembering to adjust their numerators accordingly before adding or subtracting.


How can you add similar and dissimilar fractions?

Adding similar fractions is easy, but adding dissimilar ones requires an additional step. Before you begin, you must know a few important key terms. First, the number on the top of a fraction is called the numerator, while the number on the bottom of a fraction is called the denominator. Similar fractions have the same denominator, also called a common denominator. To add dissimilar fractions (fractions with different denominators), you must first convert the fractions so that the denominators are the same.


Do you always have to have like numerators in fractions before you can add or subtract?

No, the denominators have to be the same.


Why do you change mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying and dividing?

Because common denominators allow adding and subtracting of numerators. Improper fractions also have simplified rules over mixed numbers when performing multiplication and division.


When do you need a common denominator?

The denominators must be the same before you can add or subtract fractions.


What is 3 over 10 plus 1 over 20?

Before adding the fractions together, it is best to get like-denominators:3/10 + 1/20or6/20 + 1/20 = 7/20


Before adding or subtracting Why are fractions turned into like fractions?

They have to have the same denominator.