How to add fractions

 

A: Firstly to add fractions the denominators have to be the same.

For example, 3/7 + 2/3

firstly you need to work out the lcm of 7 and 3, in this case it is 21.

So each fraction needs to be put into the form a/21 + b/21

For the fraction 3/7, you are timsing the 7 by 3  to get 21, so you also need to times the numerator by leaving you with 9/21 which = 3/7 

Then starting with 2/3, to get a denominator of 21, you need to times 3 by 7, so you also need to times the numerator by leaving you with 14/21 which =2/3

Finally to add the 2 fractions 9/21 + 14/21 = 23/21

Other examples for you to try..

1) 3/5 + 2/3

2) 3/5 + 6/20

 

JL
Answered by Jennifer L. Maths tutor

5249 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

a) Find the equation of the line that passes through (2,10) and (4,16) b) Find the point where the line in (a) intersects the line y=5x-2


A quarter circle has a radius of 6 cm. Calculate the area of the quarter circle.


Factorise and simplify the following equation: (2x^2 + 5x + 3) / (x + 1)


Bob sprints down a 100 metre track as fast as he can and as he arrives at the finish, a light gate cuts a timer that has been active since Bob began his sprint. It reads 12.45 seconds. calculate Bobs average speed during the sprint.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning