Adding unlike fractions

Name: _____________________ Date: __________

Show your thinking with numbers, words, or a drawing.

1. 2/4 + 1/3 = ? (Give your answer as a fraction in simplest form.)

1. 5/6

Common denominator 4 × 3 = 12: 2/4 = 6/12, 1/3 = 4/12.

Add the numerators: 6/12 + 4/12 = 10/12.

So 2/4 + 1/3 = 5/6.

2. 7/6

Common denominator 4 × 3 = 12: 2/4 = 6/12, 2/3 = 8/12.

Add the numerators: 6/12 + 8/12 = 14/12.

So 2/4 + 2/3 = 7/6.

3. 13/12

Common denominator 4 × 3 = 12: 3/4 = 9/12, 1/3 = 4/12.

Add the numerators: 9/12 + 4/12 = 13/12.

So 3/4 + 1/3 = 13/12.

4. 17/12

Common denominator 3 × 4 = 12: 2/3 = 8/12, 3/4 = 9/12.

Add the numerators: 8/12 + 9/12 = 17/12.

So 2/3 + 3/4 = 17/12.

5. 1/1

Common denominator 2 × 4 = 8: 1/2 = 4/8, 2/4 = 4/8.

Add the numerators: 4/8 + 4/8 = 8/8.

So 1/2 + 2/4 = 1/1.

Fold two equal strips of paper into different numbers of equal parts. Find two fractions that cover the same length.