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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.

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12y ago

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Related Questions

What condition must be met before you can add or subtract fractions?

Before you can add or subtract fractions, the denominators must be the same. If the denominators are different, you need to find a common denominator by determining the least common multiple of the existing denominators. Once the denominators are equal, you can add or subtract the numerators while keeping the common denominator.


When do you need a common denominator?

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


Why do you need a common denominator?

Common Denominator means that the denominators in two (or more) fractions are common, or the same. The common denominator is important because before you can add or subtract fractions, the fractions need to have a common denominator.Sometimes fractions have different denominators, like 2/3 and 3/4. If you want to add or subtract them, they need to have the same denominator. In order to do that, you find a common denominator which is the same thing as a common multiple, only with denominators.


Why do fractions need to have unlike denominator before you add or subtract them?

The question is based on a complete misunderstanding of what is required. Unlike denominators are NOT required!


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

No, the denominators have to be the same.


How do subtract two fractions with different denominator?

First find the lowest common denominator and then adjust the fractions accordingly before subtracting the numerators


How is adding fractions with unlike denominators different from addig with like denominators?

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.


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.


When asked to find the sum of two mixed numbers with different denominators you should before you add.?

convert both to numbers with lowest common denominator then add


Meaning of adding of dissimilar fractions?

Adding dissimilar fractions involves finding a common denominator for the fractions before adding them together. This common denominator is the least common multiple of the denominators of the fractions being added. Once the fractions have the same denominator, you can add the numerators together while keeping the denominator the same. Finally, simplify the resulting fraction if possible by reducing it to its simplest form.


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.


Why do fractions need to have a common denominator before add or subtract them?

because it would be diffcult to understand.[you don't add or subtract the demonters]