Wally knows that in order to add or subtract rational expressions, he has to find the least common denominator first. Unfortunately, he can not remember how to do that. Using complete sentences, explain to Wally how to find least common denominators. Make sure you clearly explain any important items to consider.

Question

anonymous · Answer

Well, the denominator of a fraction is the number below of line of the fraction. If you have to fractions and they have two different denominators and you would want to find the least common denominator, you would need to trial and error method.

anonymous · Answer

so, let's say I have these two fractions. 5/6 and 3/7.

anonymous · Answer

to find the common denominator I would have to multiply each denominator by the same number.

anonymous · Answer

If I multiply them both by 4, for 5/6 I get 5/24 and for 3/7 I would get 3/28. not the same? I will try a bigger number

anonymous · Answer

Well there is an easier way I just saw. I am doing it the complicated way. sorry bout that! xD

anonymous · Answer

Is it the same for a rational expression?

Example: x+1/x+2

anonymous · Answer

Sometimes you can just multiply the two denominators by each other. so the denominator of 5/6 would be 5/42 and the denominator for 3/7 would be 3/42. same denominator

anonymous · Answer

yes

anonymous · Answer

yes. you would multiply both numbers to the denominator and numeriator

anonymous · Answer

Could you solve x+1/x+2?