Download Adding Fractions

Fractions: Adding Like
Denominators
A fraction has two numbers:
3
4
= the number of parts
= the total number of
parts that equal the
whole
The two numbers are called:
3
4
= numerator
= denominator
When adding fractions that have like
denominators, you only need to add
the numerators.
3 + 1
4
=
4
4
4
1/4 1/4
1/4 1/4
You can simplify your answer
because:
4
1 whole
=
4
Try adding these fractions:
3 + 1
4
=
5
5
5
1/5
1/5
1/5
1/5
Now, try adding these fractions:
1/4
2 + 1
3
=
4
4
4
1/4
1/4
What is your answer when you add
these?
1
6
1
6
1
6
1
6
1
6
3 + 2 = 5
6
6
6
Add these fractions and see what you
get.
1
6
1
6
1
6
1
6
2 + 2 = 4
6
6
6
Now try and simplify your answer.
4
2
2
÷ =
6
2
3
Try adding these fractions on your
own.
5 + 3 = 8
12 12 12
Now, it is time to simplify your
answer.
8
4
2
÷ =
12 4
3
Add these fractions.
1 + 3 = 4
10 10 10
Simplify Your Answer.
4
2
2
÷ =
10 2
5
Add these fractions.
4 + 3 = 7
9
9
9
This answer cannot be simplified because the
number 7 cannot be divided evenly by any number.
Add these fractions.
3 + 1 = 4
8
8
8
=
1
2
Add these fractions.
2 +
9
1 = 3
9
9
Simplify Your Answer.
3
3
÷ =
9
3
Modified from Fractions VII Adding Like Denominators by Monica Yuskaitis
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