Add & Subtract Fractions

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and is expressed as a ratio of two integers, where the numerator indicates how many parts are taken and the denominator indicates the total number of equal parts.

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, \( \frac{a}{c} + \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a+b}{c} \).

Front

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Back

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

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

What is a common denominator?

Back

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

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).

Front

What is an improper fraction?

Back

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as \( \frac{5}{4} \).

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 2 \( \frac{1}{4} \).

Front

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

Back

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient becomes the whole number, and the remainder becomes the new numerator over the original denominator.

Front

What is the first step in solving a fraction addition problem?

Back

The first step is to determine if the fractions have the same denominator. If they do, you can add them directly; if not, find a common denominator.