Adding+Fractions


 * DIRECTIONS: Read the following information on adding fractions. Anything labeled TASK in purple should be copied and pasted into an email. Respond to each task in the email and send them to Tegan at teganolympus@gmail.com or Jeph at olympusjeph@yahoo.com.**

WE CAN ONLY ADD FRACTIONS THAT HAVE THE SAME DENOMINATOR (called a common denominator).

If we need to add fractions that do not have a common denominator, we can re-write the problem with equivalent fractions that do have a common denominator.


 * How to re-write fractions with a common denominator:**

__Step 1:__ Find the common denominator by finding a common multiple of both the original denominators.

Example: We'll use 6 as their common denominator because it's a multiple they have in common. You could also use 12 or any other multiple.

__Step 2:__ Re-write the fractions as equivalent fractions with the common denominator. Remember, whatever you do to the denominator you also have to do to the numerator.

Example:



Now, once they have the denominator, how do we actually add them?

__Step 3:__ Add the numerators and keep the same denominator. Make sure to write your answer in simplest form.




 * An important note: If you have a mixed number, you should change it to an improper fraction before you do any of the other steps.**

**TASK: What do you think you would do to add a whole number and a fraction? (For example: 3 + 2/3)**


 * Here's another example:**

**TASK: What are the steps for adding fractions that have different denominators?**

**TASK: Open the document and complete the assignment. Turn in this assignment during class.**