Fractions with Different Denominators

Adding Fractions with Different Denominators

To Add Fractions with different denominators:

• Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of the fractions
• Rename the fractions to have the LCD
• Add the numerators of the fractions
• Simplify the Fraction

Example: Find the Sum of 2/9 and 3/12

• Determine the Greatest Common Factor of 9 and 12 which is 3
• Either multiply the denominators and divide by the GCF (9*12=108, 108/3=36)
• OR - Divide one of the denominators by the GCF and multiply the answer by the other denominator (9/3=3, 3*12=36)
• Rename the fractions to use the Least Common Denominator(2/9=8/36, 3/12=9/36)
• The result is 8/36 + 9/36
• Add the numerators and put the sum over the LCD = 17/36
• Simplify the fraction if possible. In this case it is not possible