Adding Fractions/Common Denominators

Because when adding fractions, you have to use numbers that are alike in nature.

To be sure that you get an answer that is reduced to it's proper format, you need to find the LEAST common denominator.

Make sure it is a proper fraction, meaning the numerator is not higher than the denominator. For example, if you added 3/4 + 1/2, you would come up with 5/4. This should be reduced to a proper mixed fraction and written as 1 1/4.

Make sure that your answer is reduced to the lowest possible numerator and denominator. An example of this would be if you added 3/10 + 1/5, your least common denominator would be 10. you would not have to change the 3/10, but 1/5 would have to be multiplied by 2/2, making it 2/10. When you add 3/10 + 2/10 you would get 5/10 as your answer. However, 5/10 can be reduced to 1/2, because 5 goes into 10 2 times.