Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Tags

CCSS.3.NF.A.1

CCSS.3.NF.A.2B

Front

What does it mean to have unlike denominators in fractions?

Back

Unlike denominators are denominators that are not the same. To add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators, you must first find a common denominator.

Tags

CCSS.5.NF.A.2

CCSS.5.NF.A.1

Front

How do you find a common denominator for two fractions?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions.

Front

What is the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

The least common multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of each of the numbers.

Front

How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

To add fractions with unlike denominators, first find a common denominator, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator, and then add the numerators.

Tags

CCSS.5.NF.A.1

CCSS.5.NF.A.2

Front

How do you subtract fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

To subtract fractions with unlike denominators, find a common denominator, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator, and then subtract the numerators.

Tags

CCSS.5.NF.A.1

CCSS.5.NF.A.2

Front

What is the process of converting a fraction to an equivalent fraction?

Back

To convert a fraction to an equivalent fraction, multiply or divide both the numerator and the denominator by the same non-zero number.

Tags

CCSS.4.NF.A.1

CCSS.3.NF.A.3B

CCSS.3.NF.A.3A

Front

What is the formula for adding two fractions?

Back

The formula for adding two fractions a/b and c/d is (a*d + b*c) / (b*d).

Tags

CCSS.5.NF.A.1

CCSS.5.NF.A.2

Front

What is the formula for subtracting two fractions?

Back

The formula for subtracting two fractions a/b and c/d is (a*d - b*c) / (b*d).

Tags

CCSS.7.NS.A.1C

Front

What is the importance of simplifying fractions?

Back

Simplifying fractions makes them easier to understand and work with, and it is often required in final answers.