When dealing with fractions, what is the first step in adding two fractions with different denominators?

When dealing with fractions, what is the first step in adding two fractions with different denominators?

• A. A. Multiply the denominators
• B. B. Find a common denominator
• C. C. Add the numerators
• D. D. Simplify the fractions

Answer: (B)

When adding two fractions with different denominators, the first crucial step is to find a common denominator. This is necessary because fractions can only be added directly when their denominators are the same. The common denominator allows you to express each fraction in an equivalent form that facilitates addition. Finding a common denominator typically involves identifying the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators, which ensures that both fractions can be represented with the same denominator, enabling you to add the numerators together easily while maintaining the integrity of the values represented by the fractions. Once the common denominator is established, you can then convert each fraction accordingly and proceed to add the numerators. Simplifying fractions could occur afterward, but it’s not relevant until after the addition is performed. Thus, identifying a common denominator is the foundational step in the process of adding fractions with different denominators.

When adding two fractions with different denominators, the first crucial step is to find a common denominator. This is necessary because fractions can only be added directly when their denominators are the same. The common denominator allows you to express each fraction in an equivalent form that facilitates addition.

Finding a common denominator typically involves identifying the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators, which ensures that both fractions can be represented with the same denominator, enabling you to add the numerators together easily while maintaining the integrity of the values represented by the fractions.

Once the common denominator is established, you can then convert each fraction accordingly and proceed to add the numerators. Simplifying fractions could occur afterward, but it’s not relevant until after the addition is performed. Thus, identifying a common denominator is the foundational step in the process of adding fractions with different denominators.