Find the LCM of the denominators.
Example 1: 1/4 + 2/3
The LCM of 3 and 4 is 12, so the common denominator is 12. Convert each fraction to 12ths and add.
Example 2: 1/8 + 5/6
The LCM of 6 and 8 is 24, so the common denominator is 24. Convert each fraction to 24ths and add.
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The least common denominator is the least common multiple of the denominators of the fractions.
A common denominator is needed when adding or subtracting fractions of different denominators.
2/4 and 3/4 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6
They are essentially the same. A common denominator is the common multiple of a set of denominators of a set of fractions.
You need at least two numbers to find a common denominator.