Fraction Addition and Subtraction

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Front

What does the numerator in a fraction represent?

Back

The numerator is the top number of a fraction and represents how many parts we have.

Front

What does the denominator in a fraction represent?

Back

The denominator is the bottom number of a fraction and represents the total number of equal parts in a whole.

Front

How do you add fractions with the same denominator?

Back

Add the numerators together and keep the same denominator. For example, 1/4 + 2/4 = (1+2)/4 = 3/4.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with the same denominator?

Back

Subtract the numerators and keep the same denominator. For example, 3/5 - 1/5 = (3-1)/5 = 2/5.

Front

What is the first step in adding fractions with different denominators?

Back

Find a common denominator for both fractions.

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of the denominators of the fractions being added or subtracted.

Front

How do you find a common denominator for 1/3 and 1/4?

Back

The least common multiple of 3 and 4 is 12, so the common denominator is 12.

Front

What is the equation for adding 1/3 and 1/4 using a common denominator?

Back

1/3 + 1/4 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

Front

What is the equation for subtracting 2/5 from 4/5?

Back

4/5 - 2/5 = (4-2)/5 = 2/5.