Adding and Subtracting Fractions

To add fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and add the numerators. For example, 2/5 + 1/5 = (2+1)/5 = 3/5.

To subtract fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and subtract the numerators. For example, 4/7 - 2/7 = (4-2)/7 = 2/7.

The first step is to find a common denominator, which is a multiple of both denominators.

The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 6 is 12, so the common denominator is 12.

To convert fractions to have a common denominator, multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the necessary factor to reach the common denominator.

2/8 + 3/8 = (2+3)/8 = 5/8.

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, 6/8 can be simplified to 3/4.

2/12 + 3/12 = (2+3)/12 = 5/12.

Finding the lowest terms for a fraction makes it easier to understand and compare with other fractions.

To add mixed numbers, first add the whole numbers together, then add the fractions. If the fraction sum is improper, convert it to a mixed number.