Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and is written as 'a/b', where 'a' is the numerator (the number of parts) and 'b' is the denominator (the total number of equal parts).

Front

What does it mean to add fractions with the same denominator?

Back

When adding fractions with the same denominator, you simply add the numerators and keep the denominator the same. For example, 1/4 + 2/4 = (1+2)/4 = 3/4.

Front

What does it mean to add fractions with different denominators?

Back

To add fractions with different denominators, you must first find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add the numerators. For example, 1/2 + 1/3 becomes 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.

Front

What is the process of subtracting fractions with the same denominator?

Back

When subtracting fractions with the same denominator, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same. For example, 3/5 - 1/5 = (3-1)/5 = 2/5.

Front

What is the process of subtracting fractions with different denominators?

Back

To subtract fractions with different denominators, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then subtract the numerators. For example, 3/4 - 1/2 becomes 3/4 - 2/4 = 1/4.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a fraction, such as 2 1/2, which means 2 whole parts and 1/2 of another part.

Front

How do you convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

Back

To convert an improper fraction (where the numerator is greater than the denominator) to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator over the original denominator.

Front

What is the simplest form of a fraction?

Back

The simplest form of a fraction is when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. For example, 4/8 can be simplified to 1/2.

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting fractions?

Back

The first step is to determine if the fractions have the same denominator. If they do, you can add or subtract directly; if not, find a common denominator.