Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The common denominator method is a strategy used in fraction operations to make all denominators in an equation or expression the same. This allows for easier addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions.
Related terms
Least common multiple (LCM): The smallest multiple that two or more numbers have in common.
Equivalent fractions: Fractions that represent the same value but have different numerators and denominators.
Fraction addition/subtraction rule: When adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators, find a common denominator before performing the operation.