Linda C. answered • 12/16/14
Tutor
5
(1)
Engaging teacher fro Calculus, Precalculus, Trigonometry, and Algebra
Denominator = the BOTTOM of the fraction (how many parts the fraction is cut into)
To find a common denominator, list multiples of each denominator. A common denominator is a number that shows up in both lists. What you really want is the LEAST common denominator, which is the smallest number you find in both lists.
5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, ....
10: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, ....
Both lists continue indefinitely. From what I've listed, common denominators are 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50. The LEAST common denominator for 5 and 10 is 10, the smallest number that shows up on both lists.
