Like Unlike

Like and Unlike Fractions

To identify like fractions (same denominator) and unlike fractions (different denominators).
To find equivalent fractions and the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD) before adding.
To simplify fractions to lowest terms using common factors.
To connect fraction ideas with NCERT Math-Magic 5, Chapter 4 (Parts and Wholes) and Chapter 6 (Be My Multiple, I'll Be Your Factor).

Verbal: Like fractions share the same denominator — they split the same-sized whole into equal parts.

Symbolic: 2/7, 3/7, 5/7 are like; 1/3 and 1/4 are unlike.

Type	Denominators	Example	Can add directly?
Like	Same	2/5 + 1/5 = 3/5	Yes
Unlike	Different	1/2 + 1/3	No — need common denominator

NCERT link: Math-Magic 5, Ch 4 — sharing rotis, chocolate bars, and land into equal parts.

Verbal: Multiply or divide numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number to get an equivalent fraction.

Symbolic: 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6; LCD of 3 and 4 = 12.

Real-life: Half a pizza (1/2) = two quarters (2/4) — same amount, different slice count.

Are 3/4 and 6/8 equivalent? Simplify 6/8.

Step 1 — Divide 6/8 by 2: 3/4.
Step 2 — Same value as 3/4 → equivalent ✓
Answer: Yes, equivalent; 6/8 = 3/4

Find LCD of 1/3 and 1/4, then write equivalent like fractions.

Step 1 — Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12…; of 4: 4, 8, 12…
Step 2 — LCD = 12
Step 3 — 1/3 = 4/12; 1/4 = 3/12
Answer: 4/12 and 3/12

Mistake	Why it happens	Fix
Adding denominators: 1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5	Treating fractions like whole numbers	Find LCD first; add numerators only
2/4 ≠ 1/2	Not simplifying	Divide top and bottom by HCF
LCD = product always (12 for 3,4 ok but 6,12 → 12 not 72)	Over-multiplying	LCD = least common multiple
Bigger denominator → bigger fraction	Inverse relationship	1/8 < 1/4 (more parts = smaller each)

Revision tip: Cut a paper strip into 8 parts — shade 4/8, then fold to see 1/2. Physical models beat memorising rules.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Like and Unlike Fractions.