Fractions can be added in different ways: When fractions have the same denominator close denominatorNumber written on the bottom of a fraction. The denominator is the number of equal parts. Eg ...

Use visual fraction models to add and subtract fractions with the same denominators.

There's a helpful shortcut worth remembering: if your fractions already share the same denominator, you can skip straight to adding or subtracting the numerators. No LCD hunting required.

But the same concept holds true. Common Denominator The common denominator model, while not really a picture, demonstrates that the same rules apply to multiplication and division with fractions.

A lot of students begin by finding a common denominator for the dividend and divisor when dividing by a fraction. And a lot of teachers intervene by saying, "Remember, you only need a common ...