Who knew that elementary school math could be so hard?
When your child needs help with fractions, do you have a clue what you’re doing?
Fractions are a fundamental principle of math, and you can easily learn how to add fractions. If you can learn this, you can also learn other properties of fractions.
If you want to help your child with his or her math homework, here is a guide to help you learn how to add fractions.
The Parts of a Fraction
A fraction is made up of two parts: a top number and a bottom number. The top number is the numerator. The bottom number is the denominator.
Here are some examples of fractions:
- 1/3
- 1/2
- 12/48
- 30/50
In the first example, the numerator is “1,” and the denominator is “3.” When you add fractions, you must know that the numerator is the top number, and the denominator is the bottom.
How to Add Fractions When the Denominators Match
Adding fractions is simple when you have a problem where the denominators match. If you have to add two fractions that have the same denominator, you simply carry over the current denominator.
Here is an example:
3/10 + 6/10
The denominators are both 10, so you carry this over. You’ll know that the answer will have “10” as the denominator.
Next, you add the numerators. So, 3 + 6 = 9, and this is your numerator for your answer. The answer then is 9/10.
You can find more examples by checking out math online tutoring sites and even get some help if needed.
How to Add When You Have Different Denominators
Adding fractions is a little harder when you have different denominators. When you have a problem like this, you will have one extra step. The extra step is to find a common denominator.
Here is an example: 3/10 + 3/20
To add these fractions, you must find a denominator that is the same for both. The one you choose must be a multiple of both numbers.
The number 20 would work for this example. The first denominator “10” fits into 20 two times. The second denominator, “20,” fits into 20 once.
The math looks like this: 3/10 + 3/20
You multiply the “10” by 2 to equal 20, and you do the same for the numerator. You do not have to do anything to the second part of the fraction, as it already has a 20 as the denominator.
Once you multiply the numerator and denominator by 20, the problem now looks like this: 6/20 + 3/20
The final step is adding up the numerators and carrying over the current denominator leaving you with an answer of 9/20.
Here is one more example: 2/6 + 1/5
In this example, you can use a denominator of “30” as both numbers fit into 30 evenly. To convert 2/6 into a fraction with a denominator of 30, you would have to multiply the numerator and denominator by 5.
Once you do this, the 2/6 becomes 10/30.
Next, multiply the numerator and denominator by 6 to convert it to a fraction of 6/30.
Finally, add it up: 10/30 + 6/30
The answer is 16/30.
Learn How to Perform Other Functions With Denominators
Learning how to add fractions is the first step with fraction math. After that, you’ll need to brush up on your skills for subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.
Now you’re prepared to take on the world of fractions.
If you’d like more information to help with your daily lifestyle, check out the rest of our blog to get additional useful tips!