Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam Practice 2026 – Comprehensive Prep

Finding a common denominator before calculating is an effective technique for ensuring the accuracy of fraction calculations. This method allows for direct addition or subtraction of fractions, as it aligns both fractions to a unified base. When fractions share the same denominator, it eliminates the need for complex adjustments and reduces the risk of errors that can occur when working with unlike denominators.

For instance, when adding \( \frac{1}{3} \) and \( \frac{1}{6} \), identifying the least common denominator, which is 6, allows both fractions to be converted easily: \( \frac{1}{3} \) becomes \( \frac{2}{6} \). You can then combine them accurately to yield \( \frac{3}{6} \), which simplifies down to \( \frac{1}{2} \). This technique not only streamlines the calculations but also ensures that the results are precise and organized.

Other approaches can introduce potential inaccuracies. Rounding numbers to the nearest whole may simplify calculations but can also lead to significant deviations from the exact answer. Converting fractions to decimals can be useful in some scenarios, but it may lead to more complicated calculations and potentially exacerbate rounding errors. Estimating answers can quickly guide you