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Unless you are using a calculator that adds them for you, it is much harder to add fractions with uncommon denominators. Having the same denominator allows you to only have to add the numerators for your answer.

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βˆ™ 14y ago
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Q: Why do you need a common denominator when you add fractions?
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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.


What you need to add or subtract fractions?

You need a common denominator in order to 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 you need a common denominator with fractions?

You can add or subtract fractions only if they are "like" fractions, that is, only if they have the same denominator - unless you know your fractions really well.


Adding unlike fractions?

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.


Why do you need to use common denominator?

To get the right answer when you add or subtract unlike fractions.


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 do you need a common denominator?

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


How do you add or subtract dissimilar fractions?

You first convert them to similar fractions, i.e., to fractions that have the same denominator.* Step one: find a common denominator.* Step two: convert both fractions to equivalent fractions that have that denominator.


Do you need a common denominator when adding fractions?

Yes, you must convert both fractions to the same denominator to add them. Now... Do the rest of your homework yourself!


Why do fractions need to have a common denominator?

They need a common denominator when you add them. For example, if you want to add 1/2 and 1/3, you need to change the fractions to equivalents that share the same denominator, so you can combine them. 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6


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.