What's the Other Part

A fraction is a part of a whole.

Fractions are used in everyday situations. For example, if someone orders a pizza, they will have 1/8 of that pizza.

Adding Fractions have their own set of rules. Some fractions are simple to add. However, there are a few steps to remember.

Step 1: Make the denominators are the same.

Step 2: Add the numerators .

Step 3: Simplify the fraction (if needed).

Finding a common denominator- if the denominators are different, simply find a common multiple the denominators share.

Strategies to find a common denominator

Least Common Multiple- is a multple two numbers share. For example, a common multiple of (3,5=15). To find the LCM, a student may mulitple the two numbers to find the LCM.

Putting it all togther. Now that you have a found a common denominator, simply add the numerators together and the denomaitors together. 

If needed, the fraction may be simplified- or broken down. 

Simplifing, or breaking down fractions can be difficult. This step requires a bit of multiplication and division. To simplify a fraction, you must find the Greatest Common Factor among the numerator and denominator.

The GCF is the factor the the numerator and denominator share- can be divided evenly.