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

What does it mean to add fractions?

Back

Adding fractions involves combining the parts represented by the fractions. If the denominators are the same, add the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions involves taking away the parts represented by the second fraction from the first. Like addition, if the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

How do you find a common denominator?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions you are working with.

Front

What is the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

The least common multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of each of the numbers.

Front

What is the process to add fractions with different denominators?

Back

1. Find the LCM of the denominators. 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator. 3. Add the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Front

What is the process to subtract fractions with different denominators?

Back

1. Find the LCM of the denominators. 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator. 3. Subtract the numerators and keep the common denominator.

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 the greatest common divisor (GCD)?

Back

The greatest common divisor (GCD) of two or more numbers is the largest number that divides each of the numbers without leaving a remainder.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

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