To add fractions with differing denominators, what is essential to do first?

To add fractions with differing denominators, the critical first step is to find a common denominator. When fractions have different denominators, it is impossible to combine them directly since each fraction represents a different-sized part of a whole. By finding a common denominator, you ensure that both fractions can be expressed in terms of the same size parts. This allows you to effectively add the numerators while keeping the denominator consistent.

After identifying the common denominator, you can proceed to convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that common denominator. Once the fractions are converted, the addition can take place seamlessly.

This process is fundamental in operations involving fractions and is necessary for obtaining an accurate result when adding.