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To get the correct answer. Look at 1/2 - 1/3. Most people can't tell what the answer is by looking at it. But if you rewrite it as 3/6 - 2/6, it's easy to see that the answer is 1/6.

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Q: Why do you need common denominators in order to add or subtract fractions?
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What must you find in order to add or subtract unlike fractions?

A common denominator. The best way is to find the LCM (Lowest Common Multiple) of all the denominators - the smallest number into which all the denominators will divide. (The easiest way to do this is to multiply all the different denominators together. Once this common denominator has been found, convert all the fractions into equivalent fractions with this new denominator.


Meaning of adding of dissimilar fractions?

Dissimilar fractions have different denominators and their lowest common denominator must be found in order to add them up.


How do you order fractions if there is improper fractions?

you have to find like denominators and then you order them from least to greatest by there numerators


How do you do subtract fractions?

One way you can subtract fractions is to change them into decimals, aligning the decimals vertically, then subtracting like you would with whole numbers, making sure to carry down the decimal. Another way that you can subtract fractions is to use the least common denominator (lcd). First, simplify the fractions. Then find the multiples of the denominators. When you find the multiple included in both lists that is the least, multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number in order to make the denominator into the lcd. Then, subtract the numerators and simplify the answer. Example: 2/3 - 1/2 = 4/6 - 3/6 = 1/6


How do you order factions from smallest to biggest?

get the common dinominators and do what u did to the denominator to the numerator!. ex: if I had three fractions with different denominators then I would multiply the denominators till they are the same number then with the number I multiplied with on the bottom I would multiply on to the top!

Related questions

Why are least common denominators important?

In order to subtract or add fractions the denominators must be the same and that's why the LCD must be found.


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.


What does find the common denominator for the fraction pairs mean?

It means find the LCM of the denominators. In order to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, it is necessary to convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator. Example: 1/4 + 1/6 The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12. 1/4 = 3/12 1/6 = 2/12


What must you find in order to add or subtract unlike fractions?

A common denominator. The best way is to find the LCM (Lowest Common Multiple) of all the denominators - the smallest number into which all the denominators will divide. (The easiest way to do this is to multiply all the different denominators together. Once this common denominator has been found, convert all the fractions into equivalent fractions with this new denominator.


What does it mean to get 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.


What you need to add or subtract fractions?

You need a common denominator in order to add or subtract fractions.


Definition of Multiplying by the least common denominator?

Ordinarily, one finds the least common denominator (LCD) of a set of common fractions in order to add or subtract the set of fractions. The LCD is the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the set of fractions. Without knowing whatis to be multiplied by the LCD, and why, this question is ambiguous.


What do you do when you're going to subtract fractions but the numerator is the same?

its the same as working with integers. + and a + = + -and a - = + + and a - = - - and a + = - eg. 4/4 - - 3/4= 4/4 + 3/4= 1 3/4 1/2+ - 3/10 = 2/10= 1/5


How do you put fractions from least to greatest?

Convert them to common denominators and put the numerators in ascending order.


Equivalent fractions using least common denominator?

In order to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, it is necessary to convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator. Example: 1/4 + 1/6 The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12. 1/4 = 3/12 1/6 = 2/12


Meaning of adding of dissimilar fractions?

Dissimilar fractions have different denominators and their lowest common denominator must be found in order to add them up.


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.