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Multiply fractions by LCD to make factions whole numbers?
So I have three values: 1/3 , 4/5 and -1. I want to multiply them by their LCD in order to all the values whole numbers. How should I do it?
The way I believe is correct is to multiply every denominator to find a common denominator, then multiply the value by the fractions. So, it would be:
1/3 *15 , 4/5 *15 , -1 * 15
= 5 , 12 , -15.
Is this correct?
Is there any other alternative methods? I'm using this to determine Miller Indices of faces in a crystal. and for that I need to find the smallest whole numbers for the values a, b, c from fractions a, b, c. (it's kinda confusing)
3 Answers
- PuzzlingLv 77 months agoFavorite Answer
You have the right method. In your example, your denominators are 3 and 5 (and an implied 1).
The lowest common multiple is 15, so multiply each by 15.
15 * 1/3 = 5
15 * 4/5 = 12
15 * -1 = -15
Notice that 5, 12 and -15 have no integer factors in common (other than 1).
You can verify your answer using WolframAlpha. See the link below.
- MorningfoxLv 77 months ago
Multiplying by every denominator will do the job. But it not always the LOWEST common denominator. There are many ways of finding the LCD, see the article at this link.
