Add Fractions Fast
The hardest thing about fractions is adding them. Multiplication is easy, but addition is usually taught as a complex multi-step process. It's a real pain.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Here's a trick that lets you take two fractions, add them in your head, and shout out the result. You'll look like a math wizard!
Here it is..
Take the two fractions to be added..
a c
-+-
b d
Take the diagonal numbers (top left and bottom right) and multiply them, a*d
Do the other diagonal, c*b
Add the two results (a*d)+(c*b)
That's the "top" (numerator) of the answer.
The "bottom" (denominator) of the answer is much easier, it's just b*d
You're done!
Did you notice the pattern? It's two diagonals and a base, like this..
X
_
A lot of mathematics involves patterns.
Content written and posted by Ken Abbott abbottsystems@gmail.com