Adding and Subtracting Fractions with unlike denominators

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 have unlike denominators?

Back

Unlike denominators are denominators that are not the same. For example, in the fractions 1/4 and 1/3, 4 and 3 are unlike denominators.

Front

How do you find a common denominator for two fractions?

Back

To find a common denominator, you can multiply the denominators together or find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

Front

What is the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

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

Front

How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

To add fractions with unlike denominators, first find a common denominator, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator, and then add the numerators.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

To subtract fractions with unlike denominators, find a common denominator, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator, and then subtract the numerators.

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting fractions?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the fractions.

Front

If you have the fractions 1/5 and 5/6, what is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator for 1/5 and 5/6 is 30.

Front

What is the sum of 2/15 and 1/5?

Back

The sum of 2/15 and 1/5 is 3/20.

Front

What is the simplified form of 4/5 + 3/8?

Back

The simplified form of 4/5 + 3/8 is 1 7/40.