Content code
m1614
Slug (identifier)
adding-fractions-elementary
Parent content
Fractions | Elementary
Grades
Grade 5
Grade 6
Equivalent file in the opposite grade group
Adding Fractions
Topic
Mathematics
Content
Title (level 2)
5th and 6th Grade
Title slug (identifier)
fifth-and-sixth-grade
Contenu
Contenu
Title
How to Add Fractions with Common Denominators
Content
Corps

To add fractions with a common (identical) denominator, add only the numerators and keep the same denominator.

Content
Image
Example of adding fractions with a common denominator.
Title
How to Add Fractions Where One Denominator is a Multiple of the Other
Content
Corps

When adding fractions with different denominators, find a common (identical) denominator and then convert the fractions so they remain equivalent.

Content
Corps

The fractions |\dfrac{1}{3}| and |\dfrac{6}{12}| can be converted into equivalent fractions with a denominator of |12.|

Image
Example of fractions converted into equivalent fractions.
Content
Corps

Follow the instructions carefully. The answer may need to be written as a mixed number or as a simplified (irreducible) fraction.

Content
Image
Example of adding fractions with different denominators.
Corps

  1. I identify the fraction with the smallest denominator. 
    The fraction with the smallest denominator is |\dfrac{1}{6}.|

Exemple d’addition de fractions dont le dénominateur est différent-2

  1. I find the number by which this fraction’s denominator can be multiplied to get the denominator of the second fraction.

    Therefore, I multiply |6| by |3| to get |18.|

Exemple d’addition de fractions dont le dénominateur est différent-3

  1. I multiply the numerator by the same number.

Exemple d’addition de fractions dont le dénominateur est différent-4

  1. I rewrite the addition sentence with the converted fraction.

Exemple d’addition de fractions dont le dénominateur est différent-5

  1. I add the numerators only.

Exemple d’addition de fractions dont le dénominateur est différent-6

  1. I write the sum using the same denominator as the added fractions.

Exemple d’addition de fractions dont le dénominateur est différent-7
Image
Example of adding fractions with different denominators.
Title
How to Add Fractions with Different Denominators Using the LCM
Content
Corps

To add fractions with different denominators using the least common multiple (LCM), also called the lowest common multiple, find a common (identical) denominator, and convert the fractions so they remain equivalent.

Content
Corps

Fractions |\dfrac{1}{3}| and |\dfrac{6}{12}| can be converted into equivalent fractions with a denominator of |12.|

Image
Example of fractions converted into equivalent fractions.
Content
Corps

Follow the instructions carefully. The answer may need to be written as a mixed number or as a simplified (irreducible) fraction.

Content
Image
Example of adding fractions using the LCM.
Corps

  1. I find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

    To learn how to find the LCM, read the concept sheet The Least Common Multiple (LCM).

    The LCM of |6| and |3| is |6.| So, find equivalent fractions where the denominator is |6.|

 Exemple d’addition de fractions à l’aide du PPCM-2

  1. I must find the number by which to multiply the denominator of the fraction to obtain this LCM.

    The denominator of the fraction |\dfrac{3}{6}| already has |6| as a denominator. Only the fraction |\dfrac{1}{3}| needs to be converted.

    I multiply |3| by |2| to get |6.|

 Exemple d’addition de fractions à l’aide du PPCM-3

  1. I multiply the numerator of this fraction by the same number.

 Exemple d’addition de fractions à l’aide du PPCM-4

  1. I rewrite the addition with the converted fraction.

 Exemple d’addition de fractions à l’aide du PPCM-5

  1. I add only the numerators.

 Exemple d’addition de fractions à l’aide du PPCM-6

  1. I write the sum using the same denominator as the added fractions.

 Exemple d’addition de fractions à l’aide du PPCM-7
Image
Example of adding fractions using the LCM.
Columns number
2 columns
Format
50% / 50%
First column
Video
Why Is Adding Fractions Useful?
Second column
Video
Adding Fractions
Contenu
Title
See Also
Content
Links
Type
Internal
Title
Fractions
Internal link
/en/students/vl/mathematics/fractions-elementary-m1724
Type
Internal
Title
Representing a Fraction
Internal link
/en/students/vl/mathematics/representing-a-fraction-elementary-m1623
Type
Internal
Title
Equivalent Fractions
Internal link
/en/students/vl/mathematics/equivalent-fractions-elementary-m1603
Type
Internal
Title
Irreducible Fractions
Internal link
/en/students/vl/mathematics/irreducible-fractions-elementary-m1605
Type
Internal
Title
Mixed Numbers
Internal link
/en/students/vl/mathematics/mixed-numbers-elementary-m1654
Type
Internal
Title
Subtracting Fractions
Internal link
/en/students/vl/mathematics/subtracting-fractions-elementary-m1615
Type
Internal
Title
Least Common Multiple (LCM)
Internal link
/en/students/vl/mathematics/lowest-common-multiple-lcm-elementary-m1621
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