Adding Fractions

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  1	+	1	=
  6		2

  
  

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  STEP 1: Add the fractions.

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  Both fractions have different denominators and thus are unable to be easily added together. Find the least common denominator (LCD) of the fractions.

  
  

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  STEP 2: Multiply the numerator and the denominator of each fraction by the LCD so that the fractions will have like denominators. Then add the fractions.

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  If a fraction already has the LCD for its denominator, then it does not need to be converted.

  
  

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  STEP 3: Add the fractions.

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  Both fractions now have like denominators, so they can be easily added.

  
  

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  OVERALL: Convert fractions to like denominators before any operations.

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