Adding fractions with different denominators by first finding a common denominator.
Where your child meets this in real life: Combining different fractional quantities (½ + ¼ cups of flour)
SEAGReady breaks add fractions (different denominators) into 3 steps, taught in order so each skill builds on the last.
Add fractions where one denominator is a multiple of the other (e.g., 1/2 + 1/4)
Add fractions where neither denominator is a multiple of the other by finding a common denominator (e.g., 2/3 + 1/4)
Add fractions and simplify results or convert improper fractions to mixed numbers (e.g., 2/3 + 3/4 = 1 5/12)
Try three free questions from our add fractions (different denominators) course. They start easy and get harder, so you can see where your child's confidence runs out. If they manage the last one without a hint, this topic is probably secure. If not, the steps above show where to start.
Harrison is making orange squash. He uses 1/2 of a jug of water and then adds another 1/4 of a jug. How much water did he use altogether?
Andrew spent 3/5 of an hour on maths homework and 1/4 of an hour on reading. How much time did he spend on homework in total?
Naomi spent 5/6 of an hour on art homework and 4/5 of an hour on music practice. How long did she spend on both activities? Give your answer as a mixed number.
This is the exact interactive worked example your child sees in SEAGReady. Step through it and watch the method build up.
Ruby is making orange squash. She uses ½ of a jug of water and then adds another ¼ of a jug.
How much water did she use altogether?
½ + ¼
The denominators are 2 and 4
Step 1 of 5
Ruby is making orange squash. She uses ½ of a jug of water and then adds another ¼ of a jug.
How much water did she use altogether?
Ruby used ¾ of a jug of water altogether.
The key insight: When one denominator divides into the other, you only need to convert one fraction!
Common mix-up: ½ + ¼ = ²⁄₆. Adding numerators AND denominators separately doesn't work - the pieces are different sizes.
These are the misconceptions we see most often in add fractions (different denominators), including the ones our practice questions are specifically designed to catch.
Struggling with add fractions (different denominators)? The real gap is often in one of these earlier topics.
Sitting the SEAG test this November? Read our last-month revision plan, Paper 1 vs Paper 2 and test day guide.
SEAGReady finds the exact step where your child gets stuck, teaches it with worked examples like the one above, and brings it back for review so it sticks.
Free to start · no card needed