Adding and Subtracting Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole and is written as $$\frac{a}{b}$$ , where 'a' is the numerator and 'b' is the denominator.

To add fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and add the numerators: $$\frac{a}{c} + \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a+b}{c}$$ .

To subtract fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and subtract the numerators: $$\frac{a}{c} - \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a-b}{c}$$ .

The least common denominator is the smallest number that can be used as a common denominator for two or more fractions.

To add fractions with different denominators, first find the least common denominator (LCD), convert each fraction, and then add the numerators.

To subtract fractions with different denominators, find the least common denominator (LCD), convert each fraction, and then subtract the numerators.

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as $$\frac{5}{4}$$ .

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 1 $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator to find the whole number, and use the remainder as the new numerator.

Simplifying a fraction involves dividing the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).