When adding fractions...

a) Find the lowest common denominator.
If the two denominators are 3 and 4, count by multiples of 3 and 4 until you find the first common multiple which would be 12.

Example 2/3 + 1/4 =

3 - 6 - 9 - 12

4 - 8 - 12

2/3 ----->8/12 (increased by factor of 4)

1/4----->3/12 (increased by factor of 3)

8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12

b) If you change the denominator, increase the numerator by the same factor.

c) Always add the numerators, never the denominators.

d) If the addition of the fraction results in an improper fraction, rename the improper fraction into a mixed number.

e) Express your answer in lowest terms.

Watch the video to view an example.