Adding and 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

How do you add fractions with the same denominator?

Back

To add fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and add the numerators. For example, 1/4 + 2/4 = (1+2)/4 = 3/4.

Front

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Back

To add fractions with different denominators, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add the numerators. For example, to add 1/3 and 1/4, the common denominator is 12: (1/3 = 4/12) + (1/4 = 3/12) = 7/12.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 1 1/2.

Front

How do you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

Back

To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place that result over the original denominator. For example, 1 1/2 = (1*2 + 1)/2 = 3/2.

Front

What is the process for subtracting fractions?

Back

To subtract fractions, if they have the same denominator, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same. If they have different denominators, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then subtract the numerators.

Front

How do you find the difference between two fractions?

Back

To find the difference between two fractions, subtract the smaller fraction from the larger one. Ensure they have a common denominator if they are different.

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest multiple that two or more denominators share. It is used to add or subtract fractions with different denominators.

Front

How do you simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, 8/12 can be simplified to 2/3.

Front

What is the importance of understanding fractions in real-life applications?

Back

Understanding fractions is important in real-life applications such as cooking, budgeting, and measuring, where quantities often need to be combined or compared.