Adding and Subtracting Dissimilar Fractions by MathoGuide<br />To add or subtract dissimilar (unlike) fractions, you need to find a common denominator. Here are the steps:<br /><br />1. **Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD):** This is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into evenly.<br /><br />2. **Convert to Equivalent Fractions:** Change each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD as the new denominator.<br /><br />3. **Add or Subtract the Numerators:** Keep the common denominator and perform the addition or subtraction on the numerators.<br /><br />4. **Simplify if Necessary:** Reduce the fraction to its simplest form.<br /><br />### Example: Adding Fractions<br /><br />Add (2/3) and (1/4):<br /><br />1. **Find the LCD:** <br /> - Denominators are 3 and 4.<br /> - The LCD of 3 and 4 is 12.<br /><br />2. **Convert to Equivalent Fractions:**<br /> 2/3 becomes (2 times 4)/(3 times 4)<br /> = 8/12.<br /><br /> 1/4 becomes (1 times 3)/(4 times 3)<br /> = 3/12.<br /><br />3. **Add the Numerators:**<br /> 8/12 + 3/12<br /> = (8 + 3)/12<br /> = 11/12<br /><br /><br />#fraction #addingfractions #mathoguide
