Adding Fractions

Adding Fractions is “Painless”, When You Know the Rules!

Adding fractions is a pretty easy and straightforward operation, if you follow the rules. Actually, 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’s the Rule…

  1. If needed, build each fraction so that the denominators are the same.
  2. Add the numerators.
  3. The denominator of your answer will be the new denominator of the built-up fractions.
  4. Reduce or simplify the answer, if required.

Note: Do Not add denominators!

If the fractions have the same denominator, simply omit Step#1.

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

When working with different denominators, we do all the steps.

Original:  1/2 + 1/3 =

With LCD:  3/6 + 2/6 =

Completed:  (3 + 2)/6 = 5/6

Homework Helpers

Check out these great additional resources for adding fractions: Adding Fractions Same Denominator, Adding Fractions Different Denominators, Reducing Fractions and Simplifying Fractions

Related Topics

If you’ve mastered adding fractions, why not try your hand at one of the following: Subtracting Fractions, Multiplying Fractions or Dividing Fractions.

Fraction Calculator

Learn how to solve fraction problems, then check your work with our online fraction calculator. Click here >

Fraction Worksheets

Free downloadable worksheets make it to easy to practice adding fractions. To get even more fraction worksheets, click here >

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