Adding & Subtracting Fractions with UNLIKE Denominators

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 are unlike denominators?

Back

Unlike denominators are denominators that are not the same in two or more fractions.

Front

Can you add fractions with unlike denominators directly?

Back

No, you cannot add fractions with unlike denominators directly. You must first find a common denominator.

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

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

Front

How do you find the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

To find the least common denominator, list the multiples of each denominator and find the smallest multiple that they share.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a fraction?

Back

Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its simplest form, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

Front

What is an equivalent fraction?

Back

An equivalent fraction is a fraction that represents the same value as another fraction, even though the numerator and denominator are different.

Front

How do you create equivalent fractions?

Back

To create equivalent fractions, multiply or divide both the numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number.

Front

What is the process for adding fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

1. Find the least common denominator. 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 for subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

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