How do you add and subtract with unlike denominators?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on May 27, 2026
Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators
- STEP ONE: Get a common denominator.
- STEP TWO: Add or subtract the numerators.
- STEP THREE: Simplify the result if needed. Notice that 3/27 can be simplified, since the numerator and denominator are both divisible by 3.
- And that's all there is to it! Final Answer:
How do you add with unlike denominators?
To add fractions with unlike denominators, you should:
- Find the common denominator.
- Rewrite each fraction using the common denominator.
- Add the numerators.
- Carry across the common denominator.
- If possible, reduce the final fraction.