Adding & Subtracting Fractions

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to add fractions?

Back

Adding fractions means combining the parts represented by the fractions. You can only add fractions with the same denominator.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions means finding the difference between the parts represented by the fractions. You can only subtract fractions with the same denominator.

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a shared 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

The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest multiple that two or more denominators share.

Front

What is the least common denominator of 3 and 4?

Back

The least common denominator of 3 and 4 is 12.

Front

Can you add fractions with different denominators?

Back

No, you cannot add fractions with different denominators without first finding a common denominator.

Front

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

Back

The first step is to find the least common denominator (LCD) for the fractions.

Front

If you have 1/4 and 1/6, what is the least common denominator?

Back

The least common denominator of 1/4 and 1/6 is 12.

Front

How do you convert fractions to have a common denominator?

Back

You multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the necessary factors to reach the common denominator.