Asked by Walter

I need help adding fractions with different denominators.

Here is the problem...

1 - 1/2 + 1/3 - 1/4 + 1/5 - 1/6

I can see that the demoninators increase. Since they are both addition and subtraction, how do I do this problem?

Thanks, Walter, New York.
Answered by Ms. Sue
1 - 1/2 + 1/3 - 1/4 + 1/5 - 1/6

You need to find the common denominator -- the smallest number divisible by each of the denominators.

One way to do that is to find the multiples of the largest.

6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60

Ahh -- the common denominator is 60.

1/2 = 60/2 = 30/60
1/3 = 60/3 = 20/60

That should give you a good start.
Answered by Walter
Okay, Now that the common demoninator is 60, I now multiply. But where do I start? for example, I just leave the 1 alone because its a whole number. So now I multiply the 1/2 to 1 * 30 = 30 and 2 * 30 = 60 Do I do the same for the 1/3 and so on?
Answered by Ms. Sue
1/2 = 30/60
1/3 = 20/60

What do you think 1/4 equals?

Answered by Walter
1/4 = 15/60
1/5 = 12/60

What do you think?
Answered by joann
solve 5/30+3/40+1/8
Answered by William
what is 5/30 + 3/40 + 1/8
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