How to find the lowest / least common denominator

The smallest number they all have in common in .

In order to find the lowest common denominator, you must first list the multiples of each of the denominators of the three fractions:

The lowest common denominator between these three sets of multiples is .

We need to find a common denominator to add and subtract these fractions. Let's do the addition first. The lowest common denominator of 5 and 7 is 5 * 7 = 35, so 3/5 + 4/7 = 21/35 + 20/35 = 41/35.

Now to the subtraction. The lowest common denominator of 35 and 3 is 35 * 3 = 105, so altogether, 3/5 + 4/7 – 1/3 = 41/35 – 1/3 = 123/105 – 35/105 = 88/105. This does not simplify and is therefore the correct answer.