Adding Unlike Fractions

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Objective

I can add unlike fractions by finding a common denominator.

Part 1 of 3

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    To add fractions with different denominators, called unlike fractions, you must first convert them into equivalent fractions that share a common denominator.

  2. 2

    The most efficient common denominator is the Least Common Denominator (LCD), which is the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the original denominators.

  3. 3

    For fractions like 1/3 and 1/4, the LCD is 12, which allows them to be converted to 4/12 and 3/12 before adding.

Part 2 of 3

Practice

7 questions

1

What are unlike fractions, and why is it not possible to add them directly without any changes?

2

Which of these is the Least Common Denominator (LCD) for the fractions 1/6 and 1/8?

Part 3 of 3

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Add the fractions ⅕ + ⅔. Show all steps, including how you found the common denominator and converted each fraction.

Sample answer included in the free materials

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