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, first find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add the numerators. For example, 1/3 + 1/4 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

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 subtract fractions with the same denominator?

Back

To subtract fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and subtract the numerators. For example, 3/5 - 1/5 = (3-1)/5 = 2/5.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with different denominators?

Back

To subtract fractions with different denominators, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then subtract the numerators.

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting mixed numbers?

Back

The first step is to convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.

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 9/4.

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 and add the numerator. For example, 2 1/3 = (2*3 + 1)/3 = 7/3.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction means to reduce it to its lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor.