5.7 Subtracting Fractions with Renaming

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

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions involves finding the difference between two fractions, which may require finding a common denominator.

Front

How do you rename a fraction?

Back

Renaming a fraction means converting it to an equivalent fraction, often to make addition or subtraction easier.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place the result over the original denominator.

Front

What is the first step in subtracting mixed numbers?

Back

Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.

Front

How do you find a common denominator?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

Front

What is the process for subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Convert the fractions. 3. Subtract the numerators. 4. Simplify if necessary.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a fraction?

Back

Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest number that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder.