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Fraction Addition (like denominators) |
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To help you learn to add, I've explained how to add fractions in different situations, then, created an animated sample of addition. To learn,
- Read the explanation (steps), then
- Watch the animation and see if you can recognize the steps happening.
If you can see how the explanation matches the animation, you are close to knowing how to add fractions.
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In the simplest case is addition of proper fractions with common denominators. To add proper fractions with common denominators:
| Add the top numbers (the numerators) | |
| Copy the bottom number (the denominator) |

Sometimes, you'll have a pair of proper fractions with common denominators that you add, then you have to simplify. Never leave an answer without making sure that it is simplified (reduced) as far as possible:
| Add the top numbers (the numerators) | |
| Copy the bottom number (the denominator) | |
| Simplify/reduce the answer |

Sometimes, we have to add mixed numbers with common denominators. If we have to add these mixed numbers:
| Add the top numbers of the fractions (the numerators) | |
| Copy the bottom number of the fractions (the denominators) | |
| Add the whole numbers |

Sometimes, we add mixed numbers with common denominators and end up with fractions that are improper. If we end up with an improper fraction, we have to change the improper fraction to a mixed number, then, add the whole part of the mixed number to the whole part of the original problem:
| Add the tope numbers of the fractions (the numerators) | |
| Copy the bottom number of the fractions (the denominator) | |
| Add the whole numbers | |
| Convert the improper fraction to a mixed number | |
| Write down the fraction from the mixed number | |
| Add the whole part of the mixed number to the previous sum of the whole numbers |

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