Q&A for How to Add and Simplify Fractions

BEDMAS is an order of arithmetic operations and has nothing to do with simplifying mixed numbers. The fastest way to simplify a fraction is to recognize the largest whole number that will divide evenly into both the numerator and denominator. For example, with the fraction 30/45, the largest integer (whole number) that will divide evenly into both 30 and 45 is 15, which divides into the numerator two times and the denominator three times. So 30/45 simplified is 2/3.

Look at the number and think, how many times can this number go into this number? Then you divide. Example: 20/60, 20 can go into 60 three times, so your answer is 3 wholes.

3/5 x 3/6 is equal to 9/30. Then find common denominators. The common denominator is 30. Keep 9/30 the same, and multiply 1/2 by 15/15 to get 15/30. 9/30 + 15/30 = 24/30. Divide by 6/6 to get 4/5. Your answer is 4/5.

2/3 + 4/6 = 4/6 + 4/6 = 8/6 = 4/3 = 1 1/3.