Kyle M. answered • 09/09/14
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Certified Educator with Masters, Tutoring 3rd Grade Through College
Hi, Wathik! When manipulating fractions into forms in which we can add & subtract, we must be able to find common denominators. I assume you realize that the bottom number of the fraction is the denominator. We must be able to make equivalent fractions out of any fraction, so that we are not limited in our ability to add or subtract any pair of fractions. The LEAST common denominator ensures that we work with the simplest forms when adding or subtracting fractions. Any common denominator will work, but the LEAST one is easier!
This is actually a very simple problem - great for practice.
Try listing the simplest equivalent fractions for each of these:
1/4 = 1/4, 2/8, 3/12, 4/16, etc.
1/2 = 1/2, 2/4, 3/6, 4/8, etc.
Can you find the lowest or least common denominator by comparing these two lists?
1/2 is the same as 2/4 - they are equivalent. 1/4 also has 4 as its denominator, so 4 is the least common denominator.
