Adding Fractions Shortcut- Smiley Face Method

Use this shortcut to add fractions easily.
Steps of the Smiley Method
1. Multiply the denominators
2. Starting with the fraction on the left, cross multiply the numerator times the denominator.
3. Add the two solutions from step 2 for your numerator.
4. Reduce if possible

Transcript
Here is a shortcut method for adding fractions. Let's start with 1/2 plus 1/3 I call this method the smiley face because you can tell this looks like a smiley face. The first step is to multiply the two denominators together. 2 times 3 equals 6 and next start on the left and cross multiply so 1 times 3 is 3 and move to the other side and 1 x 2 = 2 and add those together and you get 5/6 Pretty simple. Add the fractions 2/5 + 1/3 Go with Mr. Smiley Start on the left and cross multiply, 2 x 3 = 6 Move to the other side and 1 x 5 = 5 and that equals 11/15 and you can't reduce any further. Next let's add 3/4 + 2/3 go with the smiley method , there is the smiley fraction, 4 x 3 = 12,start at the left and 3 x 3 = 9 , 2 x 4 = 8 and that equals 1712 and that is an improper fraction which is in it's simplest form. This method also works with a mixed fraction. Let's add the mixed fractions, 21/2 + 31/3. The first thing to do is to go ahead and convert it to an improper fraction. 2 x 2 = 4 + 1 = 5/2, and the other side is 3 x 3 =9 + 1 = 10/3. Next apply the smiley method. 2 x 3 = 6 and start on the left and 5 x 3 = 15 move across, and that is 15, cross multiply again and that becomes 20 which equals 35/6 which is an improper fraction and if you would like you 30 by 6 which equals 5 and 5/6 left over. So the smiley face method works on mixed fractions. Thanks for watching and please subscribe to MooMooMath. We upload a new Math video everyday.

-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-
Please watch: "Study Skills Teacher's Secret Guide to your Best Grades"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3bsg8gaSbw
-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-
Learn even more about fractions with this fraction playlist that covers the basics of fractions!!
https://www.youtube.com/playli....st?list=PLurjkZV1ykG