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Least Common Denominator Worksheets

Least Common Denominator of Fractions Worksheet

Least Common Denominator of Fractions

Matching LCD to Pairs Worksheet

Matching LCD to Pairs

Converting Like Fractions Worksheet

Converting Like Fractions

Adding Like Fractions Worksheet

Adding Like Fractions

Subtracting Via LCD Worksheet

Subtracting Via LCD

LCD of Sums Worksheet

LCD of Sums

Using with Operations Worksheet

Using with Operations

Using LCD with Mixed Numbers Worksheet

Using LCD with Mixed Numbers

Using with Differences Worksheet

Using with Differences

Unlike Denominators Worksheet

Unlike Denominators

Subtracting Unlikes Worksheet

Subtracting Unlikes

Operations with LCD Worksheet

Operations with LCD

Mixed Fractions with Different Denominators Worksheet

Mixed Fractions with Different Denominators

Least Common Denominator Bonds Worksheet

Least Common Denominator Bonds

Least Common Denominator Review Worksheet

Least Common Denominator Review

All about these 15 worksheets.

This series of worksheets on the least common denominator is a comprehensive and effective set of materials designed to help students master this essential math concept. The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest common multiple of two or more denominators, and it’s necessary for adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators.

The worksheets are organized into several different sections, each of which focuses on a specific aspect of the least common denominator. These sections include identifying common denominators, finding the LCD of two or more fractions, and adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.

The exercises are designed to be both challenging and engaging, with a variety of problems ranging from basic to advanced difficulty. This series includes word problems along with simpler numerical problems, providing students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world contexts. The worksheets are suitable for use in a classroom setting or as homework, and they can be easily customized to meet the needs of individual students.

Overall, these worksheets on the least common denominator are an excellent resource for learners of all ages and skill levels. With clear instructions, engaging problems, and ample practice opportunities, these materials are sure to help students master this critical math concept and build a strong foundation for future learning.

What is the Least Common Denominator?

The Least Common Denominator is the smallest number that is a multiple of two or more denominators. It is mainly used when you need to add or subtract fractions with different denominators. Having a common denominator makes it possible to perform these operations because it ensures that the fractions are comparing equal parts.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the LCD of two numbers:

  • List the multiples of each denominator.
  • Identify the smallest multiple that the denominators share.

Let’s work through an example. Suppose you want to add the fractions 1/4 and 2/6. The denominators are 4 and 6.

Step 1: List the multiples of each denominator.

  • Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, …
  • Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, …

Step 2: Identify the smallest multiple that the denominators share.

In this case, the smallest shared multiple is 12. So, the LCD of 4 and 6 is 12.

Now that we have the LCD, we can rewrite the fractions with a common denominator and perform the addition:

1/4 + 2/6 = (1 x 3)/(4 x 3) + (2 x 2)/(6 x 2) = 3/12 + 4/12 = (3 + 4)/12 = 7/12

So, the sum of 1/4 and 2/6 is 7/12.

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Least Common Denominator - LCD

This page has printable worksheets on finding the Least Common Denominator, LCD, or Lowest Common Denominator.

Least Common Denominator - Worksheets

Two Fractions

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Three Fractions

Practice using LCD to add fractions with unlike denominators.

Subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.

Finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM) is very a similar skill to finding Least Common Denominator (LCD).

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Least Common Denominator Worksheets

PDF with answer key:

PDF no answer key:

Common Denominator Worksheets

A fraction represents a part of a whole or any number of equal parts. It consists of a numerator displayed above a line, and a non-zero denominator, displayed below that line. When the denominators of two fractions are the same, they are known as common denominators.

It is important to have a common denominator before we do an operation on fraction whether be addition or subtraction. Solving the common denominator worksheets help kids to solve complex fraction problems in future.

Benefits of Common Denominator Worksheets

Common denominator worksheets help children understand the nature of numbers and their interactions. To find a common denominator we need to find the LCM of the two denominators. LCM is used in our real-life activities to arrange something into rows, to split things into smaller sections.

The denominator of a fraction tells you the relative size of the sections. Therefore, the reason fractions need a common denominator before adding or subtracting is so the numbers of sections you are adding/subtracting are all of the same size.

Download Common Denominator Worksheet PDFs

These math worksheets should be practiced regularly and are free to download in PDF formats.

Common Denominator Worksheet - 1

Common Denominator Worksheet - 2

Common Denominator Worksheet - 3

Common Denominator Worksheet - 4

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Idea Galaxy

Adventures in Junior High and Mathematics

10 Activities to Practice Finding the Common Denominator Like a Boss

February 3, 2018 by Rachel

Teaching students how to add fractions has so many parts to it. It’s like a clock with all the cogs turning, and for some kids the cogs can get a little messed up. One way to make sure students are ready and have a solid foundation with fractions is by giving them a lot of practice each step of the way. They need to see fractions many times and they need to feel comfortable during the practice. For some kids, their math ego is pretty fragile. That’s why I like to use games. When kids play games they’re more likely to be okay with making mistakes. This post has ten awesome games and activities to get students the practice they need finding the least common denominator.

homework & practice 7 2 find common denominators answers

Finding the common denominator is one of the key skills students have to have to add and subtract fractions. You can find different strategies for helping students find the common denominator. I have students first look at whether one of the denominators is a factor of the other one. If that’s not the case then we look at whether the denominators are multiples of 2, 3, 5, or 10. If none of that helps, then we use the what we call the butterfly method. You can see an anchor chart teaching the butterfly method here .

Once students have these strategies in their tool box, they need lots, and I do mean lots, of practice.  Here’s a list of practice activities for finding common denominators:

Common Denominator Mazes

Paper chain, qr code game, fruit splat online game, snowball fight online game for lcm, common denominator war, xfactor game online, jeopardy labs, diagnose the problem exit ticket freebie, let’s dive in.

In this post you’ll find a varieties of activities on this list. Some work well for small groups, while others are perfect for center activities. Also, a couple of them work as whole class activities. You can look through them and find what works for your class and your students.

Kids love doing math mazes . Usually, I have students complete the maze at the beginning of math time, and then they check it with me. If something isn’t correct, then I have them fix it. We use mazes as a warm-up, but they also work well as a center or homework. You can print them on paper or put them in SmartPals (dry erase sleeves) so that they can be used over and over. I’ve never heard students complain about having to do a maze.

Practice finding the least common denominator with this fun twist on traditional worksheets. Mazes are always a hit with my students! Check out all 10 common denominator activity ideas.

If you’re interested in even more fun math games and ideas, you should totally join the Maze of the Month Game Club. As a member of the Maze of the Month, you’ll get a FREE new simplifying fractions maze sent right to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get a free math maze monthly, other fun freebies, and easy-to-use tips and ideas to help make math time awesome. Hope to see you there!

Yes, I want in! Sign me up for the Maze of the Month Club!

If you want your students to have a chance to talk while finding common denominators, then look no further. Paper chains work in my class because students love working together. They are given 12 strips, each with a problem and the answer to another problem. Then, students put the problems in order. Students work together, usually in partners, when doing this work. I love hearing them talk about their answer choices.

This least common denominator paper chain activity gets students hands-on and talking about fractions. Check out all 10 common denominator activity ideas.

When students finish putting all 12 strips in order, I have them check their answers with me. If they don’t need to fix anything, then they get to make the paper chain. If they have a mistake, then i can let them know right away to go back and fix that.

This least common denominator paper chain activity gets students hands-on and talking about fractions. Check out all 10 common denominator activity ideas.

In this particular paper chain students get a chance to find the answers to 11 common denominator problems. They need to have some practice with this skill before they work on this paper chain. This activity also makes a great center or station assignment.

Getting technology into the classroom can come in many forms. One way that I like a lot is through QR codes . If you aren’t sure what a QR code is, here’s an example:

Use QR codes to help students get immediate feedback when practicing finding the common denominator.

Worksheets and the Target Game

There’s several websites with common denominator worksheets. This website contains a ton of worksheets for this topic at a variety of levels. It just helps you so you don’t have to keep thinking of different fractions- they’re already created for you. Typically, we don’t do worksheets in my class. However, we do use the questions from the worksheets and play games with them. This set of worksheets would work really well with the target game. Learn more about the target game in this post .

Gamify fractions worksheets with this easy & fun target game. Check out all 10 activity ideas and resources for teaching least common denominators.

This Snowball Fight Game doesn’t have fractions, but it does have students finding the least common multiple in a fun way. Two numbers are displayed on the screen and you have to choose the person with the right least common multiple. If you are right, you hit the person with the snowball. If you get it wrong then you get hit. Your game “life” is measured with a thermometer and you want to keep it warm. Such a fun way to practice this skill!

Find the least common multiple with this fun game. A perfect way for students to sharpen their skills when working with least common denominators. Check out all 10 least common denominator activity ideas and resources.

Common Denominator War is a game you can have partners play to practice finding the lowest common multiple. You can find the directions at this blog post . I would change it and play this game with fractions instead of just multiples. This blog post from Math File Folder Games has a series of variations that you can use with your students. Personally, if you’re going to play this game based on speed, it’s super important to make sure that the partners are students who work at about the same speed. You can get a lot of practice in a short amount of time with this game, making it a great addition to math class.

I love this XFactor game from Cool Math because it seamlessly integrates math with the game. Students play this game online. In this game, students practice finding making a target numbers by finding the multiples that make that number (this link goes to the game for “32”, but you can choose another number). While it’s not specifically practicing finding common denominators, it’s a great game to help students see the patterns in how numbers go together, super helpful when they need to find common denominators.

To play, students choose a number and that becomes the target. Then, they have to shoot at a number that, when multiplied, makes the target number. It gives students a ton of practice in a short amount of time and it’s super fun. This activity works as something students can use while learning about common denominators. They can also continuing playing it and practicing this skill all year long. When students finish one level, it sends them on to the next level. The game board looks cool and it makes students just want to keep going with this game.

Students practice with factors with this fun game from Cool Math, and sharpen the skills they need when finding the greatest common factor. A great warm up or center activity to help students see the patterns with numbers. Check out all 10 ideas for teaching & practicing with the least common denominator.

Not everything that you do has a to be a game. I think that giving kids an opportunity to look at common mistakes can help them not make the same mistakes. With the diagnosis the problem strategy, students have to look at a worked problem that has a mistake and explain where the person went wrong.

Grab this diagnose the problem freebie to help students learn to avoid the most popular common denominator mistakes! Check out all 10 least common denominator ideas and resources.

Then, students prescribe a solution by completing the problem themselves. This activity works great as an anticipatory set and is little prep for the teacher. Grab the free Diagnose the Problem form here. You can also do this activity over and over with other topics throughout the year.

Grab this diagnose the problem freebie to help students learn to avoid the most popular common denominator mistakes! Check out all 10 least common denominator ideas and resources.

Try one thing

So, now it’s your turn to take one of this activities and try it in your class. Maybe you can’t do them all, but I hope you’ve found something to try with your students. These activities are sure to add a little more engagement to fractions practice and get students the repetitions they need to gain confidence with finding the lowest common denominator. Students love novelty and fun, so they’ll appreciate you mixing it up and they’re sure to get so much better at finding the least common denominator.

Thanks so much for reading. Until next time!

Get students the fractions practice they need with these fun common denominator activities.

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This is a free lesson about finding a common denominator in fraction addition. The common denominator has to be a multiple of each of the denominators. The least common multiple of the denominators is the smallest possible common denominator, but it is not the only possible one. The lesson is meant for fifth grade.

fractions.

When we add fractions, we need to know to convert them so that the converted fractions will have the (or be like fractions).

We call this same denominator because all of the converted fractions
will have this same denominator .

To do the actual conversion, use the .

1

6

+

5

9

   
 

3

18

+

10

18

=

13

18

1/6 is converted into 3/18 and
5/9 is converted into 10/18
using equivalent fractions:

Lastly, we add 3/18 and 10/18.

=

=

1. You are given the common denominator. Convert the fractions using the rule for writing equivalent     fractions. Then add or subtract.  Note: sometimes you need to convert only one fraction, not both.

1

3

+

3

5

 
 

 

15

+

 

15

 =

6

7

1

2

 
 

 

14

 

14

 =

1

6

+

2

5

 
 

 

30

+

 

30

 =

5

9

1

3

 
 

 

9

 

9

 =

1

8

+

3

4

 
 

 

8

+

 

8

 =

5

7

2

3

 
 

 

21

 

21

 =

2

5

+

1

4

 
 

 

20

+

 

20

 =

5

6

3

4

 
 

 

12

 

12

 =

3

4

3

7

 
 

 

28

 

28

 =

of each of the denominators

In other words, the common denominator has to be in the multiplication table of the individual
denominators. Or, the common denominator has to be divisible by the individual denominators.
The individual denominators have to each “go into” the common denominator, just like 5 goes
into 30.

2

 3 

+

1

 5 

=

     

15

+

     

15

3

 8 

1

 6 

=

     

24

     

24

7

 8 

+

3

 4 

=

7

 8 

+

    

 8 

2. Find a common denominator (c.d.) that will work with these fractions.

  4th parts  and  5th parts

 

  3rd parts  and  7th parts

 

10th parts  and  2nd parts

 

 4th parts  and  12th parts

 

 2nd parts  and  7th parts

 

 9th parts  and  6th parts

 

3. Let’s add and subtract. Use the common denominators you found above.

4

5

+

1

4

 
 

 

 20

+

 

 20

=

2

3

1

7

 
  =

3

10

+

1

2

 
  + =

4

12

+

1

4

 
  + =

1

2

2

7

 
  =

5

6

4

9

 
  =

the denominators to get a common denominator. However, you can find a than the denominator you get by multiplying the denominators.

   and   

  You could use 10 × 15 = 150, but let’s look at the lists of multiples:

Multiples of 10:   0, 10, 20, , 40, 50, ...
Multiples of 15:   0, 15, , 45, 60, 75 ...

So, 30 works as well, and it is smaller! 
It is the (smallest) .

       

   and   

  One possibility is 7 × 6 = 42, but let’s check the multiples of 6 to make sure:

Multiples of 6:   0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, ...
of those are in the multiplication table of 7, except 42.

So, 42 is the  east ommon enominator (LCD).

       

4. Find the least common denominator (LCD) for adding or subtracting these fractions. You may use     the space for writing out lists of multiples.

 

5

12

+

3

8

 
    +   =

7

4

9

11

 
      =

1

12

+

1

9

 
    +   =

7

8

4

9

 
      =

You will find free, printable worksheets for adding unlike fractions here .




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