Because trying to add them without a common denominator would yield an incorrect answer.
Convert unlike fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominators by finding the LCM of the denominators.
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.
Unlike fractions are identified by their different denominators. For example, in the fractions ( \frac{1}{4} ) and ( \frac{2}{3} ), the denominators 4 and 3 are not the same, making them unlike fractions. This distinction is important when performing operations such as addition or subtraction, as they require a common denominator.
Adding fractions with like denominators is straightforward, as you simply add the numerators while keeping the denominator the same. In contrast, adding fractions with unlike denominators requires finding a common denominator, which involves identifying the least common multiple of the denominators. Once a common denominator is established, you convert each fraction accordingly before adding the numerators. This extra step makes the process more complex compared to adding fractions with like denominators.
Unlike. Unlike. Unlike. Unlike.
Convert unlike fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominators by finding the LCM of the denominators.
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.
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.
Multiply them by each other.
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.
Multiplying the denominators together of two or more unlike fractions will get you a common multiple.
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.
Because when you compare fractions with the same denominators, you do not have to find the least common denominator (LCM or LCD).
unlike fractions
unlike fractions
Find the lowest common multiple of the denominators and adjust the fractions accordingly
multiply the two denominators