How to find the lowest / least common denominator

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SAT Math › How to find the lowest / least common denominator

Questions 1 - 3
1

What is the Lowest Common Denominator of ,and ?

Explanation

The smallest number they all have in common in .

2

What is the lowest common denominator of the fractions below?

Explanation

In order to find the lowest common denominator, you must first list the multiples of each of the denominators of the three fractions:

The lowest common denominator between these three sets of multiples is .

3

3/5 + 4/7 – 1/3 =

7/9

3/37

88/105

72/89

4/3

Explanation

We need to find a common denominator to add and subtract these fractions. Let's do the addition first. The lowest common denominator of 5 and 7 is 5 * 7 = 35, so 3/5 + 4/7 = 21/35 + 20/35 = 41/35.

Now to the subtraction. The lowest common denominator of 35 and 3 is 35 * 3 = 105, so altogether, 3/5 + 4/7 – 1/3 = 41/35 – 1/3 = 123/105 – 35/105 = 88/105. This does not simplify and is therefore the correct answer.

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