Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers

Front

What is a rational number?

Back

A rational number is any number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction of two integers, where the denominator is not zero.

Front

How do you add two rational numbers with the same sign?

Back

When adding rational numbers with the same sign, you must add their absolute values and keep the common sign.

Front

What is the process for subtracting rational numbers?

Back

To subtract rational numbers, you can add the opposite of the number being subtracted.

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD) and why is it important?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest multiple that two or more denominators share. It is important for adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators.

Front

How do you find the least common denominator of two fractions?

Back

To find the least common denominator, list the multiples of each denominator and identify the smallest multiple they have in common.

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting fractions?

Back

The first step is to ensure that the fractions have a common denominator.

Front

What happens when you add a positive rational number and a negative rational number?

Back

When adding a positive rational number and a negative rational number, you subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and take the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.

Front

What is the rule for adding rational numbers with different signs?

Back

When adding rational numbers with different signs, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and use the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.

Front

Can you simplify a fraction after adding or subtracting?

Back

Yes, you should always simplify the resulting fraction to its lowest terms after adding or subtracting.

Front

What is an example of adding two rational numbers with the same sign?

Back

For example, adding 1/4 and 2/4 results in 3/4, keeping the positive sign.