3

8
Adding and Subtracting
Fractions
By Graeme Henchel
http://hench-maths.wikispaces.com
Adding Fractions with common
denominators
3 4 7

8 8 8
 Adding Fractions with different
denominators
Problem:

You cant add fractions with different denominators

without getting them ready first. They will be ready to
add when they have common denominators

Solution:
Turn fractions into equivalent fractions with a
common denominator that is find the Lowest
Common Multiple (LCM) of the two denominators
 Finding the
Lowest Common Denominator

The lowest common multiple of two numbers is

the lowest number in BOTH lists of multiples

Multiples of 2 are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
1 1
Multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12,

2 3
What is the lowest common
multiple?
 Finding the
Lowest Common Denominator

The lowest common multiple of two numbers is

the lowest number they will BOTH divide into

2 divides into 2, 4, 6, 8..

1 1
3 divides into 3, 6, 9.

2 3
What is the lowest number 2 and 3
both divide into?
 1 1
You cant add fractions with
different denominators
2 3

+
The Lowest Common Multiple of 2 and 3 is 6 so turn all fractions into sixths

1 3 1 2 3 2 5

2 3 3 2 6 6 6

Special form of 1
 1 2

2 5
Lowest common denominator is 10 so make all fractions tenths

5 4 9

10 10 10
 1 1

3 4

Turn both fractions into twelfths

4 3 7

12 12 12
3 3 2 7 ? ? 9 14 23 2
1
3 7 3 7 21 21 21 21 21 21

Finally the fractions are READY to

It is 3/3 add. I just have to add the
It is 7/7
So I multiply What numerators
is special
the lowest 9+14=23
So I multiply WhatWhat
special form formnumber
3/7 by 3/3
2/3 by 7/7 ofBOTH
1 of 3 and
will1 change
will 77divide
change 3 into?
to 21.
to 21.
Hmmmm?
Hmmmm?
It is 21. So that is my
Hmmmmm??????
common denominator

Now 3x3=9 and 2x7=14

Now I know the new
numerators
 Adding Mixed Numbers
Separate the fraction and the whole number sections,
add them separately and recombine at the end

11

11
22
22 55 33
5
7 6
5
7 6