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You can totally add fractions with unlike denominators. You have to first find the LCD (least common denominator) to make them the same denomintars. And then you can just simply add them. What you cannot do is add fractions with unlike denominators without changing them to fractions with like denominators. The reason being that you would be attempting to add fractions that are different sizes. 1/2 is not the same size as 1/3, so it would be like trying to add apples and Oranges. You have to change them to a common size and that is the reason you have to find the least common denominator first. While you cannot add 1/2 and 1/3, you can add 3/6 and 2/6.
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Fractions with different denominators are called?
unlike fractions
What are Fractions that have different denominators?
unlike fractions
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.
When you add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators why do you have to find LCM?
Because to add fractions, the denominators must be equal.
Why do you convert unlike fractions?
Unlike fractions have denominators that are unequal, and therefore cannot be added or subtracted. If two fractions need to be added or subtracted they must first be converted to like fractions.
