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Let's try to find the lowest common denominator between 3, 15, and 5
To find the lowest common denominator, we need to find a number that is divisible by 3, 15, and 5
In this case, the common denominator is 15
Now we'll multiply each fraction by the appropriate number to reach the denominator 15
We'll multiply the first fraction by 5
We'll multiply the second fraction by 1
We'll multiply the third fraction by 3
Now we'll add and then subtract:
We'll divide both numerator and denominator by 3 and get:
Without calculating, determine whether the quotient in the division exercise is less than 1 or not:
\( 5:6= \)
Fractions represent parts of a whole. You can only add parts when they're the same size! means 1 piece of size 1/3, while means 7 pieces of size 1/15. They're different sizes!
Look for the smallest number that all denominators divide into evenly. Since 15 = 3×5, the number 15 works for all three denominators: 15÷3=5, 15÷15=1, 15÷5=3.
Any common multiple works, but using the smallest one keeps your numbers manageable. For example, 30 would work too, but you'd get instead of .
Yes, always simplify! and are equal, but is in simplest form. Divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.
Double-check each conversion: . The original fraction should equal your converted fraction when you simplify it back.
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