How Do You Add Like Fractions?

To add like fractions, you add the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Definition: Like fractions are fractions that have the same denominator.

• Process:

  1. Identify the common denominator: Make sure the fractions you are adding share the same denominator. If they don't, you can't add them directly until you find a common denominator.
  2. Add the numerators: Add the numbers that appear in the numerator (the top part) of each fraction.
  3. Keep the denominator: The denominator (the bottom part of the fraction) stays the same. Don't add the denominators together.
  4. Simplify (if possible): Reduce the resulting fraction to its simplest form.

• Example:

  Let's say you want to add 2/5 and 1/5.

  1. The common denominator is 5.
  2. Add the numerators: 2 + 1 = 3
  3. Keep the denominator: 5
  4. The result is 3/5. This fraction is already in its simplest form.

• Another Example:

  Calculate 7/12 + 3/12 + 1/12.

  1. The common denominator is 12.
  2. Add the numerators: 7 + 3 + 1 = 11
  3. Keep the denominator: 12
  4. The result is 11/12. This fraction is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, adding like fractions involves simply adding the numerators and retaining the shared denominator. Remember to simplify your answer if possible.