Add 3 or more fractions: word problems

Learning Objectives Identify the fractions and the operation needed in word problems involving adding three or more fractions. Find a common denominator for three or more fractions. Convert fractions to equivalent fractions with a common denominator. Accurately add three or more fractions with common denominators. Simplify the sum of three or more fractions to its simplest form. Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers when the sum is greater than one. Interpret and solve real-world word problems that require adding three or more fractions. Ever wonder how much of a pizza is left after three friends each eat a different slice size? 🍕 Today, we'll learn how to combine those different parts! In this lesson, you'll discover how to tackle word problems that ask...

TermDefinitionExample FractionA number that represents a part of a whole. It is written as a numerator over a denominator.In the fraction $\frac{3}{4}$, 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator. NumeratorThe top number in a fraction, which tells you how many parts of the whole you have.In $\frac{2}{5}$, the numerator is 2, meaning you have 2 out of 5 equal parts. DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction, which tells you the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.In $\frac{1}{3}$, the denominator is 3, meaning the whole is divided into 3 equal parts. Common DenominatorA shared denominator that two or more fractions have after being converted to equivalent fractions. It is often the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the original denominators.For $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{...

Finding a Common Denominator (LCM) To add fractions with different denominators, first find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of all denominators. This LCM will be your common denominator. Multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the factor that makes its denominator equal to the LCM. For example, to add $\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} + \frac{e}{f}$, find LCM of $b, d, f$. Adding Fractions with Common Denominators Once all fractions have the same denominator, add only the numerators and keep the common denominator the same: $\frac{a}{c} + \frac{b}{c} + \frac{d}{c} = \frac{a+b+d}{c}$. This rule applies after you have converted all fractions to equivalent fractions with a common denominator. Do not add the denominators! Simplifying the Sum After adding, if th...