Adding Fractions

Adding Fractions with a Common Denominator

Adding Fractions with a Common Denominator!

There are 3 Simple Steps to add fractions:

Step 1: Make sure the bottom numbers (the denominators) are the same

Step 2: Add the top numbers (the numerators). Put the answer over the denominator.

Step 3: Simplify the fraction (if needed).

Example:

1 + 1

4 4

Step 1. The bottom numbers (the denominators) are already the same. Go straight to step 2.

Step 2. Add the top numbers and put the answer over the same denominator:

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

2/4 = 1/2

Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Build each fraction so that both denominators are equal. Remember, when adding fractions with different denominators, the denominators must be equal. So we must complete this step first.

• 1. Re-write each equivalent fraction using this new denominator

  2. Now you can add the numerators, and keep the denominator of the equivalent fractions.

  3. Re-write your answer as a simplified or reduced fraction, if needed.