Adding Fractions with Like Denominators

Fractions with the same denominators are called like fractions .

To add fractions with like denominators, add the numerators , and write the sum over the denominator.

$\frac{3}{8}+\frac{2}{8}=\frac{5}{8}$

You may get an answer which is not in lowest terms , even if the fractions you were adding and subtracting both were. In this case, you have to reduce the fraction .

$\frac{7}{12}+\frac{1}{12}=\frac{8}{12}=\frac{8÷4}{12÷4}=\frac{2}{3}$