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How to Change Fractions to Have Like Denominators

The denominator, or bottom number, of a fraction represents the number of parts in a whole unit. The top number, or the numerator, illustrates a portion of the whole. When you add or subtract fractions, they must have the same denominators. Not all fractions in addition and subtraction sentences start out with like denominators, so many times you will be required to alter the fractions so that each one shares the same bottom number.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write down the two fractions. For example, you might have 1/3 and 3/4.

    • 2

      Select a number that both denominators will divide into evenly. Usually, it's better to choose the "least common denominator" to save yourself some work later. In this example, the lowest number that both 3 and 4 will fit into evenly is 12.

    • 3

      Place the least common denominator in the denominator position of both fractions.

    • 4

      Multiply each numerator by the quotient of the least common denominator divided by that fraction's original denominator. In this example, 12 divided by 3 is 4. Multiply 4 times 1 to get 4. Therefore, the first fraction would be 4/12. In the second fraction, 12 divided by 4 is 3. Multiply 3 by 3 to get 9. This makes the second fraction 9/12.

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