Adding Fractions

When adding fractions, you must always remember that they have to have the same denominator. The denominator is the number on the bottom of the fraction (the top number is called the numerator). Why must they have the same denominator? It is because you can’t add two different types of things without first coming up with a common name. For example, if you wanted to add tables to chairs and express the total amount as one number, you would have to come up with a common name, such as “furniture”. The same principle applies to fractions. If you want to add thirds and halfs, you must convert them into sixths first. Now that they both have the same name (denominator) you can add them.