| Follow the following
steps to add fractions: |
| |
|
| 1. |
Write the numbers
vertically: Go
to the NEXT step... |
|
| 2.
|
Do
you have a Common Denominator?
(same bottom number = same size pieces)
|
NO:
Continue below...
|
|
| YES: Skip to the
NEXT STEP.
|
|
Change to equivalent fractions with a
common denominator:
- Find a number divisible by BOTH
denominators (such as the LCM: Least Common Multiple).
- Multiply both the numerator AND
denominator of one fraction by the SAME NUMBER to get
an equivalent fraction with the common denominator.
- Repeat with the other fraction.
Go to the NEXT step...
|
|
| 3.
|
Do
the Addition:
|
- Add the numerators
(to find the total number of pieces).
Keep the same denominator.
- Add the whole numbers (if any).
Go to the NEXT step...
|
|
| 4. |
Is
the Fraction in Lowest Terms?
|
NO:
Continue below...
|
|
| YES: Skip to the
NEXT STEP.
|
|
Improper fraction:
(Top number is greater than the bottom number.)
- Divide the top BY the BOTTOM;
- Write any remainder as the numerator of a fraction using
the same denominator.
Reduce the fraction:
- Divide both the numerator and the
denominator by the same number.
- Repeat until the only common factor is one.
Go to the NEXT step...
|
|
| 5. |
Check your
answer.
|
|
| SAMPLE PROBLEM #1:
|
SAMPLE PROBLEM #2:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Solution:
|
SAMPLE PROBLEM #3:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Solution:
|
