Adding & Subtracting Fractions

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).

Front

What does the term 'denominator' refer to in a fraction?

Back

The denominator is the bottom part of a fraction that indicates how many equal parts the whole is divided into.

Front

What does the term 'numerator' refer to in a fraction?

Back

The numerator is the top part of a fraction that indicates how many parts of the whole are being considered.

Front

What is the Least Common Denominator (LCD)?

Back

The Least Common Denominator (LCD) is the smallest multiple that two or more denominators share, allowing fractions to be added or subtracted.

Front

How do you find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of two fractions?

Back

To find the LCD, list the multiples of each denominator and identify the smallest multiple that appears in both lists.

Front

Why can't you add fractions with unlike denominators directly?

Back

You cannot add fractions with unlike denominators directly because they represent different parts of a whole, making it necessary to convert them to a common denominator first.

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting fractions?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the fractions involved.

Front

How do you convert fractions to have a common denominator?

Back

To convert fractions to have a common denominator, multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the necessary factors to make the denominators equal.

Front

What is the process for adding fractions with a common denominator?

Back

When adding fractions with a common denominator, you add the numerators together and keep the denominator the same.

Front

What is the process for subtracting fractions with a common denominator?

Back

When subtracting fractions with a common denominator, you subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.