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). For example, in the fraction 1/2, 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator.

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, to add 1/3 and 1/4, the common denominator is 12, so convert to 4/12 and 3/12, then add to get 7/12.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction. For example, 2 1/2 is a mixed number, where 2 is the whole number and 1/2 is the fraction.

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, add the numerator, and place that over the original denominator. For example, 2 1/2 becomes (2*2 + 1)/2 = 5/2.

Front

What is the process for subtracting fractions?

Back

To subtract fractions, ensure they have a common denominator, convert if necessary, and then subtract the numerators. For example, to subtract 3/4 - 1/4, keep the denominator 4 and subtract the numerators: 3 - 1 = 2, so the answer is 2/4 or 1/2.

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. For example, for 1/3 and 1/4, the common denominator is 12.

Front

How do you simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF). For example, to simplify 8/12, the GCF is 4, so divide both by 4 to get 2/3.

Front

What is the sum of 1/2 and 1/4?

Back

To find the sum, convert 1/2 to 2/4. Then add: 2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4.

Front

What is the difference between 5/8 and 3/8?

Back

To find the difference, subtract the numerators: 5/8 - 3/8 = (5 - 3)/8 = 2/8, which simplifies to 1/4.

Front

What is the sum of 1/3 and 1/9?

Back

To add, find a common denominator (9): 1/3 = 3/9. Then add: 3/9 + 1/9 = 4/9.