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Think of it this way: The denominators tell what kind of things are being added, whereas the numerators tell how many things are being added. Examples: (two/apple) + (three/apple) = (two+three)/(apple) = five/apple. ================================================ (two/apple) + (three/plum) is NOT equal to (two+three)/(apple+plum) ================================================ (one)/(pair) + (two)/(pair) = (one+two)/(pair) = (three)/(pair) ================================================= (one)/(pair) + (one)/(individual) + (two)/(individual) = ? ? ? ===> express (one)/(pair) as (two)/(individual), then: (two)/(individual) + (one)/(individual) + (two)/(individual) = (five)/(individual) or (2.5)/(pair)

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Q: Explain why when adding fractions the denominators are not added together?
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What is the definition of adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

What is the definition of Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions


Fractions Have The Same Denominators?

Not always but they need to have the same denominators when adding or subtracting them.


What way is subracting fractions with unlike denominators like adding fractions with unlike 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.


How is multiplying fractions by a whole number is different from adding adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators?

Adding and subtracting fractions can ONLY be done if the denominators are the same; then the calculation is done by adding or subtracting the numerators. Multiplying (and dividing) fractions does not require the denominators to be the same. To divide by a fraction the divisor is inverted (the original numerator becomes the new denominator and the original denominator becomes the new numerator) and then the fractions are multiplied. Multiplying fractions is achieved by multiplying the numerators together AND multiplying the denominators together. A whole number is the same as a fraction with the whole number as the numerator and a denominator of 1, so when multiplying by a whole number the denominator is multiplied by 1 (leaving it the same) and the is multiplication is effectively just multiplying the numerator by the whole number.


Can you multiply fractions that have a different demonminator?

Yes. When multiplying and dividing fractions your denominators do not have to be the same. The denominators only haveto be the same if you are subtracting or adding them.

Related questions

When adding fractions with like denominators how do you convert?

When adding fractions with like denominators, add the numerators together and put the result over the denominator. Simplify if possible.


Why when adding do you not add the numerator or the denominator?

Do not add the denominators together. Though keep in mind that both denominators must be the same to add to fractions together.


How is adding like fractions and adding unlike fractions the same?

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.


How are adding fractions different?

When adding or subtracting fractions their denominators must be the same


What are the rules for adding fractions?

Ensure that the denominators are the same when adding or subtracting fractions.


Do you have to change the denominators when multiplying fractions?

No. To multiple fractions multiple the numerators together and multiply the denominators together and simplify (by dividing both numerator and denominator of the result by common factors until the only common factor is 1). The denominators only need to be the same when adding or subtracting fractions.


What you must have when you adding fractions?

Common denominators.


What is the definition of adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

What is the definition of Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions


How do you minnous fractions?

Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.


How do you explain to kids why you have to have common denominators before adding fractions?

you can't add a pear to apples to see how many apples you have


Fractions Have The Same Denominators?

Not always but they need to have the same denominators when adding or subtracting them.


Adding fractions with different denominators?

You need to change the denominators so they are the same ( by timesing them together) E.g. 1/7 1/2 7x2=14