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).

Front

What does it mean to add fractions?

Back

Adding fractions involves combining two or more fractions to find a total. If the denominators are the same, add the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions involves taking one fraction away from another. Like addition, if the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

How do you find a common denominator?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions you are working with.

Front

What is the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

The least common multiple is the smallest number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.

Front

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

Back

1/4 + 1/4 = 2/4 = 1/2.

Front

What is the sum of 1/3 and 1/6?

Back

1/3 + 1/6 = 2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6 = 1/2.

Front

What is the difference between 3/4 and 1/2?

Back

3/4 - 1/2 = 3/4 - 2/4 = 1/4.

Front

What is the difference between 5/6 and 1/3?

Back

5/6 - 1/3 = 5/6 - 2/6 = 3/6 = 1/2.

Front

Can you add fractions with different denominators directly?

Back

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