ADDITION: Example 3

Rule 18:

To add fractions, the denominators must be equal. Complete the following steps to add two fractions.

1.: Build each fraction so that both denominators are equal.
2.: Add the numerators of the fractions.
3.: The denominators will be the denominator of the built-up fractions.
4.: Reduce the answer.

Example:

Calculate

Answer:

The answer is

Solution:

Convert the 10 to the fraction

tex2html_wrap_inline48 can now be written tex2html_wrap_inline56 .
The denominators are different, so you must build each fraction to a form where they both have the same denominator. Since both 1 and 4 will divide evenly into 4, build the fractions to a denominator of 4.

tex2html_wrap_inline58 .
tex2html_wrap_inline56 can now be written tex2html_wrap_inline62 .
Add the numerators for the numerator in the answer.
40 + 3 = 43.
The answer is tex2html_wrap_inline64 .
This answer is already reduced, so you can skip step 4.

Check:

Now prove to yourself with your calculator that your answer is correct. Calculate 3 divided by 4 and add it to 10. Now divide 43 by 4. Both answers should be the same. If you are correct, the answers are the same (equivalent) and you have successfully added two fractions.

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Nancy Marcus