Keep the denominator the same.
Learn the 3-Step Method
1Check the denominators.
Are the denominators the same?
✕ Different → You need a different method (M7)
2Add the numerators.
Add the top numbers.
3Keep the denominator.
Write the denominator once, the same as before.
Worked Example
Add these fractions: 28 + 38
Watch Out! Common Mistakes
Wrong! Keep the denominator the same: the answer is 58.
Wrong! Add the top numbers, don’t multiply them: 2 + 3 = 5, so the answer is 58.
Wrong! The denominator stays the same: 58.
⬇ Cheat Sheet
- Check the denominators are the same.
- Add the numerators.
- Keep the denominator the same.
Add the top numbers. Keep the bottom number.
📖 Continue Your Journey
Quick summary
- Check the denominators are the same before you add.
- Add only the numerators: 2/8 + 3/8 = 5/8.
- The denominator stays exactly the same — never add the bottoms.
- 2/8 + 3/8 = 5/16 is the classic mistake: the pieces don't change size when you add.
Frequently asked questions
How do you add fractions with the same denominator?
Add the numerators and keep the denominator the same. For example, 2/8 + 3/8 = 5/8.
Why don't you add the denominators?
The denominator describes the size of the pieces, and the pieces don't change size when you put them together — you just have more of them. Adding denominators (2/8 + 3/8 = 5/16) gives a smaller, wrong answer.
When do children learn to add fractions?
Adding fractions with the same denominator begins in Year 3–4; adding with different denominators follows in Years 5–6.
What if the answer is an improper fraction?
That's fine — for example 5/8 + 6/8 = 11/8, which can be written as the mixed number 1 3/8. Our Mixed Numbers lesson covers the conversion.
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