Adding and Subtracting Fractions

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

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

A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions, allowing them to be added or subtracted.

The numerator is the number above the fraction line that represents how many parts of the whole are being considered.

The denominator is the number below the fraction line that indicates the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

The greatest common divisor (GCD) is the largest positive integer that divides two or more integers without leaving a remainder.

An equivalent fraction is a fraction that represents the same value as another fraction, even though the numerator and denominator may be different.

To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place the result over the original denominator.

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction.