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it is necessary when comparing fractions, like when you are trying to figure out which fraction is bigger, 3/4 or 5/8. you multiply the denominators, 4x8, and the answer is possibly the least common denominator. then you multiply one of the old denominators to the other numerator, and do the same the other way, 4x5 and 8x3. those are the new numerators. the new fractions are 24/32 and 20/32. 3/4 is bigger!

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Q: When is using least common denominators necessary?
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When adding fractions with unlike denominators it is most helpful if the fractions are renamed using the?

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.


How do you add and subtract fractions with no common denominator?

You convert them to equivalent fractions with the a common denominator. This new denominator must be a common multiple of the denominators. The Least Common Multiple (LCM) may be a recommendation but is not necessary. However, using the LCM will keep all the numbers as small as possible and that may be an advantage.


What is the difference between a least common multiple and a least common denominator?

The Least (or Lowest) Common Multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is a multiple of both numbers. For example: the LCM of 10 and 4 is 20, because both 10 and 4 go into 20 and 20 is the smallest number both 10 and 4 can go into. To be able to add or subtract fractions they must have the same denominator. If the denominators are different then the fractions must first be converted into equivalent fractions with a common denominator; any common denominator can be used, but by using the Least Common Multiple of the denominators as the new denominator it keeps the numbers smaller; this smallest denominator is known as the Least Common Denominator Thus the Least Common Denominator is the Least Common Multiple of the denominators of two (or more) fractions (used when adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators). As the Least Common Multiple is used most often with adding or subtracting fractions, it is often referred to as the Least Common Denominator (because the numbers being considered are usually denominators of fractions).


What is the rule for adding fractions with unlike denominators?

You convert them, using equivalent fractions, so that they have the same denominator - a common multiple of the deniminators. Then the denominator of the sum is the common multiple while the numerator is the sum of numerators of the converted fractions. Finally, you need to check if the answer can be simplified. Students are often instructed that they must use the least common multiple (LCM). This is not necessary: any common multiple will do, though the LCM will require smaller numbers and so may be easier.


How do you add fractions using the least common denomanator?

Ok. First you make sure the denominator (bottom number) is the same on all the fractions. The easiest way to do this is to multiply the denominators together, then multiply each numerator by the opposite fractions denominator. This is the easiest way to do this, you will simplify later. ONLY DO THIS IF THE DENOMINATORS ARE DIFFERENT. If they are the same just add the numerators together to get your fraction. Then simplify.

Related questions

Discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of using least common denominators when adding and subtracting fractions?

By using least common denominators when adding and subtracting fraction you get small numbers which are easy to perform operations on. On the other hand if you deal with common denominators which are excessively large, then you will find that operations are harder to perform. The one disadvantage of using LCD is that they can occasionally be difficult to find.


How are common multiples and common denominators the same and different?

Common multiples and common denominators can be found using the same process. They differ in their function. Common denominators are common multiples that are functioning as denominators.


What does find the common denominator for the fraction pairs mean?

It means find the LCM of the denominators. In order to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, it is necessary to convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator. Example: 1/4 + 1/6 The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12. 1/4 = 3/12 1/6 = 2/12


When adding fractions with unlike denominators it is most helpful if the fractions are renamed using the?

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.


How do you add and subtract fractions with no common denominator?

You convert them to equivalent fractions with the a common denominator. This new denominator must be a common multiple of the denominators. The Least Common Multiple (LCM) may be a recommendation but is not necessary. However, using the LCM will keep all the numbers as small as possible and that may be an advantage.


What is the difference between a least common multiple and a least common denominator?

The Least (or Lowest) Common Multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is a multiple of both numbers. For example: the LCM of 10 and 4 is 20, because both 10 and 4 go into 20 and 20 is the smallest number both 10 and 4 can go into. To be able to add or subtract fractions they must have the same denominator. If the denominators are different then the fractions must first be converted into equivalent fractions with a common denominator; any common denominator can be used, but by using the Least Common Multiple of the denominators as the new denominator it keeps the numbers smaller; this smallest denominator is known as the Least Common Denominator Thus the Least Common Denominator is the Least Common Multiple of the denominators of two (or more) fractions (used when adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators). As the Least Common Multiple is used most often with adding or subtracting fractions, it is often referred to as the Least Common Denominator (because the numbers being considered are usually denominators of fractions).


how to rename fractions using LCM?

When adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators their lowest common denominator must be found first by using the LCM of their denominators


How do you put the following fractions from least to greatest when the denominators are different?

Multiply or divide both the numeraters and the denominators the same using GCF.Then look at the numeraters. Good luck!!!!!!!


How do you find the LCD in rational expression?

Factor each of the denominators. Make up an expression that includes all of the factors in the denominators. Example (using "^" for powers):If you have denominators (x^2 - 1), (x-1)^2 and (x+1), factor the first expression, to get denominators: (x+1)(x-1), (x-1)^2 and (x+1). Taking each factor that appears at least once, you get the common denominator: (x+1)(x-1)^2. Note: If a factor, as in this case x-1, appears more than once in one of the expressions, you need to use the highest power.


Equivalent fractions using least common denominator?

In order to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, it is necessary to convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator. Example: 1/4 + 1/6 The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12. 1/4 = 3/12 1/6 = 2/12


What is the rule for adding fractions with unlike denominators?

You convert them, using equivalent fractions, so that they have the same denominator - a common multiple of the deniminators. Then the denominator of the sum is the common multiple while the numerator is the sum of numerators of the converted fractions. Finally, you need to check if the answer can be simplified. Students are often instructed that they must use the least common multiple (LCM). This is not necessary: any common multiple will do, though the LCM will require smaller numbers and so may be easier.


What is the step to finding the least common denominator?

There are many ways to find the lowest common denominator (LCD). One way is to list out all the factors of both numbers and find the common one. Whichever one is the lowest is the LCD. But if you're using larger numbers you can do trial and error or multiple the denominators.