Adding and subtracting rational numbers

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

To add two rational numbers with the same denominator, you add the numerators together and keep the denominator the same. For example, (a/b) + (c/b) = (a+c)/b.

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

To subtract rational numbers, you can convert the subtraction into addition by adding the opposite. For example, a/b - c/d = a/b + (-c/d).

The value of (-8.6) + 7.2 is -1.4.

The value of 3.1 + (-6.3) is -3.2.

Subtracting a negative rational number is the same as adding its positive counterpart. For example, a - (-b) = a + b.

The value of -1/3 - 4/5 is -17/15.

The value of 2/3 + (-1/3) is 1/3.

The value of -1/3 - (-5/12) is 1/12.