Fraction Addition

		Fraction Addition (unlike denominators)

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 different denominators.   To add proper fractions with different denominators:

Select a common denominator

Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator

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:

Select a common denominator

Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator

Add the top numbers (the numerators)

Copy the bottom number (the denominator)

Simplify/reduce the answer

Sometimes, we have to add mixed numbers with different denominators.   If we have to add these mixed numbers:

Select a common denominator

Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator

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 different 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:

Select a common denominator

Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator

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

	Select a common denominator
	Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator
	Add the top numbers (the numerators)
	Copy the bottom number (the denominator)

	Select a common denominator
	Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator
	Add the top numbers of the fractions (the numerators)
	Copy the bottom number of the fractions (the denominators)
	Add the whole numbers

	Select a common denominator
	Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator
	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