Browse Tag: how to add dissimilar fractions

How to Add Fractions

Fractions whose denominators are the same are called similar fractions. Fractions that are not similar are called dissimilar fractions. Hence, the fractions \frac{1}{8}, \frac{3}{8}, and \frac{5}{8} are similar fractions, while the fractions \frac{2}{3} and \frac{1}{2} are dissimilar fractions. In this post, we are going to learn how to add fractions. 

How to Add Similar Fractions

Adding similar fractions is very easy.  In adding similar fractions, you just add the numerator and copy the denominator.  Here are a few examples.

Example 1

\displaystyle \frac{1}{5} + \frac{2}{5} = \frac{1 + 2}{5} = \frac{3}{5}

Example 2

\displaystyle \frac{1}{8} + \frac{2}{8} + \frac{4}{8} = \frac{1 + 2 + 4}{8} = \frac{7}{8} Continue Reading