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- Convert mixed fractions into improper fractions (e.g. 1 1/2 to 3/2)
- Find the LCM of the denominators (e.g. 60 for 1/3, 1/4 and 1/5)
- Convert each fraction into a form with this shared denominator (20/60, 15/60 and 12/60 for the above example) - if you are having trouble, just multiply the numerator and denominator by the other denominators
- Add the numerators together but keep the denominator the same (47/60 for the above example)
- Simplify, if possible (leave as 47/60 for the above example but convert to 1/2 if the answer is 120/240)
- Convert into a mixed fraction, if possible or desired (e.g. 3/2 to 1 1/2)
Skip any stages at the start that are unnecessary. For example, if the fractions are all less than one, start on step 2 and if they also all have the same denominator, start on step 4.
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What types of problems can be solved using the the LCM?
Anything having to do with adding or subtracting unlike fractions.
How you use the least common multiple?
When adding or subtracting unlike fractions, the LCM process is used to find the least common denominator.
What problems can be solved using gcf and LCM?
Finding the LCM will make adding and subtracting fractions easier.
When is it useful to find the LCM or GCF of two numbers to solve a problem?
When adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators and when reducing fractions to their lowest termsWhen adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators their lowest common multiple is needed and when reducing fractions to their lowest terms their greatest common factor is needed.
When adding fractions do you find the lowest common multiple yes or no?
Yes.
