When performing addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators, what is an important step to take?

When adding or subtracting fractions that have unlike denominators, the critical step is to make equivalent fractions using the least common denominator. This process involves identifying the least common multiple of the denominators, then adjusting each fraction so they both have this common denominator.

By doing this, you create fractions that can easily be combined, as the denominators are now the same. This allows you to simply add or subtract the numerators while keeping the common denominator. Ensuring that fractions have a common denominator is essential because it aligns their values, making it possible to accurately perform the addition or subtraction without distortion of the original quantities.

Finding the greatest common factor or converting to decimals may be useful in other contexts but do not facilitate the direct addition or subtraction of fractions with different denominators. Adding like denominators is not applicable until the fractions have been converted to equivalent fractions with a common denominator.