Adding Fractions

Twelve addition problems to a sheet, mixing fractions that share a denominator with fractions that do not. That mix is deliberate: a page where every problem needs a common denominator teaches the procedure, but it does not teach a student to check whether they need it.

Set Denominators to Like Denominators for a first sheet where the bottom numbers already match, or to Unlike Denominators once finding a common denominator is the thing being practised. There is a dedicated page for the unlike case.

Frequently asked questions

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Rewrite both fractions over a common denominator - any common multiple of the two will do, and the product of the denominators always works - then add the numerators and reduce.

How are the answers written?

In lowest terms, and as a mixed number rather than an improper fraction - so 6/4 is given as 1 1/2 and 8/4 as 2. Turn on Include Answer Pages to print the key behind the sheet.

Do the answers ever come out greater than one?

Yes. Both operands are proper fractions but their sum often is not, and those answers are written as mixed numbers.

Can I get only like denominators?

Yes - set Denominators to Like Denominators and every problem on the sheet will share a bottom number.