common denominators

A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. It allows fractions to be added or subtracted.

The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 6 is 12. So, the common denominator is 12.

3/6 is the equivalent fraction of 1/2 with a denominator of 6.

2/3

3/5

Find a common denominator for the fractions.

2/8 or 1/4

You can directly add or subtract the numerators.

7/10

1/4 and 1/3 can both be expressed with a common denominator of 12 (3/12 and 4/12 respectively).