Adding Fractions is "Painless", When You Know the Rules!
$adding fractions$

Adding fractions is a pretty straightforward operation, if you follow the rules. But the key is to make sure the denominators are the same. That way, our point of reference is the same and we can now work the problem.

Here is the Rule for adding fractions:

If needed, we have to build each fraction so that the denominators are the same.

Then, we add the numerators.

The denominator of your answer will be the same denominator of the built-up fractions.

As always we have to reduce or simplify the answer, if required.

Note: We Do Not Add denominators!

To add fractions with a common denominator, you simply omit Step#1.

1/3 + 1/3 =(1 + 1)/3 = 2/3

When adding fractions with different denominators, we do all the steps.

1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 =
(3 + 2)/6 = 5/6

But since there are a lot of other things to think about when adding fractions, click on the links below for detailed, step-by-step instructions to be sure you have these operations down pat.

Adding Fractions with the Same Denominator
Includes instructions for reducing fractions and simplifying your answer.

Adding Fractions with Different Denominators
Also includes finding the LCD and working with mixed numbers.

[Math Homework Help] [Adding Fractions] [Subtracting Fractions]

[Multiplying Fractions] [Dividing Fractions] [Least Common Multiple]

[Least Common Denominator] [Greatest Common Factor]

[Equivalent Fractions] [Simplifying Fractions] [Reducing Fractions]

[Understanding Fractions] [Prime Numbers] [Fraction Calculator]

[Prime Factorization Table]