How do you do adding fractions?

To add fractions, you generally need to find a common denominator and then add the numerators. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Steps for Adding Fractions

1. Find a Common Denominator: If the fractions have different denominators, you must find a common denominator. The easiest way is often to multiply the denominators of the fractions you want to add.
2. Convert the Fractions: Once you have the common denominator, convert each fraction so that it has this denominator. To do this, multiply both the numerator and the denominator of each fraction by the number that makes the original denominator equal to the common denominator.
3. Add the Numerators: Once the fractions have the same denominator, you can add the numerators together. Keep the denominator the same.
4. Simplify: After adding, simplify the fraction if possible.

Example

Let's say you want to add 1/4 + 3/5:

1. Find a Common Denominator: Multiply the denominators: 4 * 5 = 20. So, 20 will be the common denominator.
2. Convert the Fractions:
   • Convert 1/4 to have a denominator of 20: Multiply both numerator and denominator by 5: (1 * 5) / (4 * 5) = 5/20
   • Convert 3/5 to have a denominator of 20: Multiply both numerator and denominator by 4: (3 * 4) / (5 * 4) = 12/20
3. Add the Numerators:
   • Add the numerators: 5/20 + 12/20 = (5 + 12) / 20 = 17/20
4. Simplify:
   • In this case, 17/20 is already in its simplest form.

According to the provided reference, another method to add fractions (like 3/4 + 1/5) involves cross-multiplication:

1. Multiply 3 * 5 = 15
2. Multiply 1 * 4 = 4
3. Add the results: 15 + 4 = 19. This becomes the numerator.
4. The common denominator is 4 * 5 = 20
5. Therefore, 3/4 + 1/5 = 19/20.