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Let's try to find the lowest common multiple between 6 and 10
To find the lowest common multiple, we need to find a number that is divisible by both 6 and 10
In this case, the lowest common multiple is 30
Now let's multiply each number by an appropriate factor to reach the multiple of 30
We will multiply the first number by 3
We will multiply the second number by 5
Now let's subtract:
Without calculating, determine whether the quotient in the division exercise is less than 1 or not:
\( 5:6= \)
You can only subtract fractions when they have the same denominator! Think of it like this: you can't subtract 5 apples from 1 orange - they're different units. The denominators tell us what 'units' we're working with.
List the multiples of each number: 10: 10, 20, 30, 40... 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30... The first number that appears in both lists is 30, so that's your LCD!
Always check if you can simplify! can be simplified by dividing both numerator and denominator by 10 to get .
Even if could be simplified to first, it's often easier to work with the original fractions and simplify at the end to avoid confusion.
Yes, but using the LCD (30) keeps your numbers smaller and makes calculations easier. You could use 60 or 90, but you'd get the same final answer with more work!
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