Answer
1. Rewrite the fractions as equivalent fractions with the least common denominator.
2. Add or subtract the numerators, putting this result over the common denominator.
Work Step by Step
Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators:
1. Rewrite the fractions as equivalent fractions with the least common denominator.
2. Add or subtract the numerators, putting this result over the common denominator.
Example
$\displaystyle \frac{5}{12}+\frac{1}{3}=\frac{5}{12}+\frac{1\times 4}{3\times 4}=\frac{5}{12}+\frac{4}{12}$
$=\displaystyle \frac{5+4}{12}=\frac{9}{12}=\frac{(3)\times 3}{(3)\times 4}=\frac{3}{4}$
Example
$\displaystyle \frac{5}{6}+\frac{1}{8}=...$
$LCD(6,8)=24$
$=\displaystyle \frac{5\times 4}{6\times 4}+\frac{1\times 3}{8\times 3}=\frac{20}{24}+\frac{3}{24}$
$=\displaystyle \frac{20+3}{24}=\frac{23}{24}$
