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because you can not add unlike things
To get the right answer. It's not immediately obvious what the sum of 1/2 and 1/3 is. But if you realize that 1/2 = 3/6 and 1/3 = 2/6, then 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6

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Q: Why do you need a common denominator when adding fractions?
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Adding unlike fractions?

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.


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 is adding like fractions and adding unlike fractions the same?

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.


Do you need a common denominator when adding fractions?

Yes, you must convert both fractions to the same denominator to add them. Now... Do the rest of your homework yourself!


How do subtract fractions?

all you have to do is follow the same algorithm for adding a pair of fractions together. the main step is to find common denominators between the two. to do this, you need to find the least common multiple. another way you could find a common denominator is just by changing them into decimals, and adding them normally like whole numbers with the decimals lined up correctly.

Related questions

Do you need a common denominator for dividing fractions?

No only when adding or subtracting fractions a common denominator is needed


Does division need a common denominator?

No, You only need a common denominator when adding or subtracting fractions.


Do you need common denominator when adding fractions?

Yes.


How is subtracting fractions like adding fractions?

You need a common denominator for both.


Adding unlike fractions?

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.


Why do fractions need a common denominator before you add or subtract?

Because the answers will be wrong when adding or subtracting them if they don't have a common denominator.


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.


Why do fractions need to have a common denominator before subtracting or adding?

Because if there's no common denominator it'll be hard to simplify. And will cause you to get a headache.


Do you need a common denominator when adding fractions?

Yes, you must convert both fractions to the same denominator to add them. Now... Do the rest of your homework yourself!


How is adding like fractions and adding unlike fractions the same?

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.


How do you get the common denominator for dividing fractions?

You don't need a common denominator to divide fractions.


Do you need a common denominator for all fractions before doing the order of operations?

You DO need a common denominator to add, subtract, or compare fractions. You DO NOT need a common denominator to multiply or divide fractions.