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yes you should use a common denominator when subtracting with fractions, it makes it much easier.

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14y ago

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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.


Do you need a common denominator to multiply fractions?

No.


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.


Do you need a common denominator for dividing and multiplying fractions?

No you do not.


Adding and subtracting unlike denominators?

Fractions can only be added or subtracted if the denominators are the same. If the denominators are different, then the fractions need to be made into equivalent fractions with the same denominator. The new denominator can be found simply by multiplying the denominators together, but this can lead to some large fractions with which to work. A better new denominator is the lowest common multiple of (all the) denominators. (Once the new denominator is found, the fractions' new numerators are found by multiplying their current numerator by the new denominator divided by their current denominator to make their equivalent fractions with the new denominator.) Once all the fractions are converted into equivalent fractions with the new denominator then the fractions can be added or subtracted, with the result being simplified (if possible).

Related Questions

Do you need a common denominator for dividing fractions?

No only when adding or subtracting fractions a common denominator is needed


Do you need a common denominator in subtracting fractions?

Yes.


Does division need a common denominator?

No, You only need a common denominator when adding or subtracting fractions.


How is subtracting fractions like adding fractions?

You need a common denominator for both.


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.


When adding or subtracting two fractions with denominators that are not equal what is the first step you take?

When adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators, the first step is to find a common denominator. This involves finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators. Once you have a common denominator, you can then add or subtract the numerators of the fractions accordingly.


Why do fractions need to have a common denominator before subtracting or adding?

Because if there's no common denominator it'll be hard to simplify. And will cause you to get a headache.


How do you get the common denominator for dividing fractions?

You don't need a common denominator to divide fractions.


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.


How is finding the LCM revelant when adding and subtracting fractions?

To add and subtract fractions, you need common denominators. To find the common denominator, find the LCM of the denominators you wish to add or subtract.


Do you need to have a common denominator when subtracting?

Yes.


Why do you need like denominators to add and subtract fractions?

Finding a common denominator makes it possible to add two fractions because it allows us to write each fraction as a multiple of a common (usually smaller) fraction. Subtracting fractions works the same way; find a common denominator so that the fractions involved are in the same terms.